Anahuac Independent School District The Slate November, 2015
FFA Brings Home TRF Honors
Anahuac FFA did an outstanding job at TRF this year. At the TRF Welding Contest our boys brought home a lot of prizes. Chance Stephenson placed 3rd in the Sr. Division, Andrew Maddox placed 1st and Nolan Estes placed 4th in the Jr. Division. This year was the first to have the A.C.E contest. Anahuac A.C.E team (Romney Deleon, Chance Stephenson, Kane Donald and Jared Fulsom) placed 1st. Romney Deleon placed 2nd high point individual. The Jr. Livestock team did it again, taking home the 1st place banner for the Jr. Division (Maci Bennett, Ashley Bennett, Reagan Richard and Jake
Hampton). Ashley Bennett placed 2nd high individual,Jack Hampton placed 5th high individual, and Maci Bennett placed 9th high individual.. Katrina Swope placed 1st in the high point individual in the senior division. In the Breeding Beef, Emma Swonke won Grand Champion Exotic Bull, Katrina Swope won Grand Champion and Reserve registered Exotic females and Champion unregistered Exotic. Cale Swope won 2nd in the unregistered Exotics and Ashley Bennett placed 2nd in the Brahman class. Maggie Stephenson placed 2nd in her goat class.
AISD Holds Last of the Fall PRO-active Meetings Citizens attended another Anahuac ISD PRO-active Community meeting October 12, this one at Oak Island Community Building. Superintendent James Hopper spoke of the upcoming Tax Ratification Election November 3. The election is necessary to allow Anahuac ISD to raise its Maintenance & Operation tax rate by two cents. The district also increased the Interest & Sinking tax rate by two cents, for a total tax rate of $1.27 per $100 valuation. Supt. Hopper said that the two cent increase of M&O funds, if approved by voters, would generate a minimum of $223,000. Mr. Hopper explained that AISD has actually lowered school taxes a total of 11 cents over the last two years. Responding to a citizen comment regarding the need for more hands-on training, Supt Hopper spoke of the dual credit courses offered by AISD and at the new Dual Credit Academy that include process technology, welding and drafting courses. Supt. Hopper also spoke to the group October 12 about facility needs, presenting the pending need for nearly $1 million in maintenance and repair costs at Anahuac High School. He listed costs for chiller replacements at Anahuac High School and Middle School. He also talked about the school pool, built in 1948, and the fact that the pool roof contains asbestos. Supt. Hopper also spoke of expanded technology needs and the need for upgraded facilities in which to hold events. “We want to be a source of student and community pride,” he said. “Our students make note that other, surrounding schools have better facilities than we have.” Citizens expressed support of additional or improved facilities, with one man commenting, “I know construction and, putting band-aids on facilities - that’s not what you do.” Another citizen asked about training for bus drivers and spoke to Supt. Hopper in more detail after the meeting. The citizen also asked about financial skills being taught in school. Administrators Tammy Duhon and Patti Nauman spoke of the skills being taught as part of the required curriculum. Smith Point citizens asked questions on a variety of topics, including lack of internet in the area. Supt. Hopper said AISD was checking with internet providers to see whether anything could be done to help with internet service in the district’s more remote areas. Citizens also commented on the desire to hold graduation at Kyle White Field and expressed an interest in AISD creating a soccer league. Mr. Hopper responded that a change of venue for the graduation
ceremony would depend on how much input AHS Principal Eric Humphrey received. He added that a Varsity soccer team was being considered. Citizen Doris Nelson reminded those in attendance that Early Voting has begun for the November 3 election. Supt. Hopper plans to hold the PRO-Active meetings again in the spring at the area Update: The November 3 Tax Ratification Election Proposition passed 301-227
Above, Supt. Hopper speaks with Oak Island residents October 12. Below, Director of Instructional Technology Lori Lambert speaks to Smith Point residents October 19.
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Many Spotlights at AISD Meeting Many citizens, students and employees were recognized during Anahuac ISD’s October 13 board meeting. Chambers County Treasurer Tony Sims was honored for his role in the recent Live2Lead session that sponsored eight Anahuac High School students. Sims, who is a certified coach with John Maxwell Team, helped put on the program that included a live video feed session from Atlanta, Georgia. The conference was attended by Barbers Hill ISD students and many members of Chambers County communities. AHS Assistant Principal Kelsea Broomas said the students were actively involved with the leadership conference in Mont Belvieu, adding the students had a lot of information to use in school or community clubs or groups. District Attorney Cheryl Lieck was recognized for her $10,000 donation to AISD’s new Police explorer program. Lieck said the money for the donation came from funds seized during drug forfeitures. Lieck indicated that as more funds are seized during these types of arrest, more funds may be available for the AISD program. The Anahuac Middle School cheerleaders were recognized for their leadership roles. “These young ladies put the lead in leadership,” said AMS Principal Tammy Duhon. She spoke of the group’s assistance with many projects within the district. Students and teachers participating in the most recent Advanced Placement testing were recognized. Students Carlos Chavez, Cameron Lieck, Ximena Valencia, Madison Wilkins and Addison Hemphill were recognized for each scoring a three or above on the rigorous testing. “These scores are very difficult to accomplish,” said Mrs. Broomas, adding that the exam results will earn college credits for students. The teachers involved with preparing students for the Advanced Placement exam were also recognized. Mario Garza,
Kyra Williams and Karla Dean worked with the students last year to prepare them for the exam and to also support them. “We really, really appreciate you guys and what you do,” said Superintendent James Hopper. Anahuac Elementary Principal Mitzi Higginbotham recognized kindergartener Anthony Richardson for what she sees as a young leader. “Anthony is a very, very nice young man,” she added. Another staff member recognized October 14 was bus driver Kay Zieschang. Mrs. Zieschang is credited with saving the life of one of her bus riders by pulling the child back into the bus when a motorcycle pulled around the right side of the bus while a group of students was exiting. “Not only is Mrs. Zieschang a great bus driver, but an outstanding staff member, as well,” said Mrs. Higginbotham. In other matters, the board discussed the next phase in its development of a Long Range Plan. A committee of AISD employees will score the qualifications of architectural firms who have responded to the district’s recent Request for Qualifications. The board will then interview the top three firms on October 27 and choose a firm to provide long range facilities planning and design services. The board discussed the possibility of the district creating a UIL varsity boys’ and girls’ soccer program. Supt. Hopper presented expenses associated with a program with start-up costs estimated at $20,000 to $30,000. Mrs. Broomas said there seemed to be plenty of interest at AHS for soccer teams and expressed her desire to establish a soccer program. Announced were the resignations of custodian Leovigilda Plancarte and cafeteria employee Julie Reynolds and the hiring of Carmen Vargas as custodian.
AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham is shown at right with kindergartener Anthony Richardson.
District Attorney Cheryl Lieck is shown above with Supt. James Hopper, board member Lane Bertrand and AHS Assistant Principal Kelsea Broomas. At right, Chambers County Treasurer Tony Sims is shown with Supt. James Hopper, board member Dr. John Redman and AHS Assistant Principal Kelsea Broomas.
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At left is AISD board member Dr. John Redman with Advanced Placement prep teachers Mario Garza, Kyra Williams and Karla Dean. Also shown is Assistant Principal Kelsea Broomas.
At right is AISD board member Dr. John Redman with high-scoring Advanced Placement students Carlos Chavez, Cameron Lieck, Ximena Valencia, Madison Wilkins and Addison Hemphill. Also shown is Assistant Principal Kelsea Broomas.
AMS cheerleaders Mailey Sherman, Sydney Bertrand, Tracy Ly, Ashlyn Smith, Ashley Bennett, Karissa Jircik, Emily Till, Maci Bennett and Madison Sherman are shown with sponsor Katy Andrade, AMS Principal Tammy Duhon and board member Lane Bertrand.
AISD bus driver kay Zieschang is shown with AES Principal Mitzi Higginbotham, AISD board member Lane Bertrand and students Gage Williams, Cooper Williams, Tucker Kreuzer and Meg Kreuzer.
AMS coach/teacher Ryan Roecker is shown above with board member Lane Bertrand and AMS Principal Tammy Duhon.
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Roots & Shoots Officers Lend a Hand
The Slate AHS Roots and Shoots officers traveled early October 2 to the Texas Rice Festival to help volunteer for two events. First, the officers volunteered at the senior citizen breakfast. They helped by fixing plates for senior citizens who were not able to, assisting senior citizens to their seats, refilling their drinks, and sitting at the tables and talking to them about their day.
During the second volunteer event, the Roots and Shoots officers helped the friends of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge booth by doing activities with children. The main activity was doing an art project that involved coloring animals and gluing colored rice to the animals.
AMS Students View Their Exhibition The Anahuac Middle School Art classes completed their projects for the Day of the Dead celebration also known as Dia de Muertos. Several student projects were exhibited at the Art League of Baytown Gallery’s Day of the Dead event. The middle school Art classes took a field trip to The Art League of Baytown gallery October 22 and October 23 to view the exhibition. Students had the opportunity to view their work on display as well as the art work shown by students from other districts. Various other artists had miscellaneous works of art exhibited and the students were able to observe the different mediums used by the artists.
AMS students view their artwork on display at Art League of Baytown.
Below, AMS Art students watch artists in action during their trip to Baytown Art League.
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Varsity Girls’ Cross Country Headed for Regionals The Varsity Girls’ Cross Country Team finished in 2nd place October 14 at the District meet, qualifying them for a trip to Regionals. Maricela Hernandez finished in 5th place, Ana Gonzalez 9th place, Addison Hemphill 10th place, Ximena Valencia 16th, and Rebecca Medders 17th place. Samantha Lopez and Madalyn Orozco also ran for the team. The Varsity Boys’ team ran well, but did not qualify for Regionals. Jonathan O’Banion finished in 15th place. Also running were Omar DeLaCruz, Daniel Badillo, Blane Daugherty, Michael Hightower, Arturo Mares and Austin Hodges. Rhett Kahla finished in 3rd place in JV followed by Tyrique Smith. Meghan Thomas finished first in JV, followed by Erykah Hill in 3rd place. Shown in front is Omar DeLaCruz. Kneeling is Addison Hemphill, Ana Gonzalez and Rebecca Medders. In the front row standing are Blane Daugherty, Madalyn Orozco, Samantha Lopez, Maricela Hernandez, Ximena Valencia, Maria Magana, Meaghan Thomas Next row:: Tyrique Smith, Arturo Mares, Daniel Badillo, Erykah Hill, Michael Hightower. In the back row are Rhett Kahla and Jonathan O'Banion.
Lady Panthers Compete at Regionals The Anahuac Lady Panther Cross Country team traveled to Sam Houston State University October 26 to compete in the Regional Tournament. After a full day of rain that previous Sunday, the course was sloppy at best. The girls did their best, but with sloppy conditions, and a hilly course, their times were not the best. The team is made up of six seniors and one freshman. The seniors for the most part have had a successful high school career, with two second place district finishes, and two first place finishes. They
have qualified for the Regional Meet all four years. The Cross Country Program will certainly miss these girls, big shoes to fill in the coming years. Seniors Maricela Hernandez, Ana Gonzalez, Addison Hemphill, Rebecca Medders, Ximena Valencia, and Madalyn Orozco and freshman Samantha Lopez rounds out the team. Good Luck to these girls as they move into the next phase of their life. Congratulations on four seasons of Cross Country well done.
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The Slate AHS Biology Students Participate in ‘Hip to ‘Habitat’ Program
Skeletons on Display Rebecca Green’s anatomy and physiology class took a week to explore the skeletal system. The students were grouped together to draw and label a life sized skeleton. The students then did a gallery walk to gain more knowledge about the skeleton and placement of bones. The students used a group member to model the outline of the body and used a book to draw the skeleton with labels on the bones.
Ladies Cheer on Florist Open House AHS Cheerleaders spiced up Anahuac Florist's Open House at the its location at 810 Miller St. The team also supported Anahuac Florist with their custom made garters during Homecoming week! AHS Cheer is also wrapping up with football season and getting ready to prep for basketball season.
Corena Fitzgerald's Pre AP biology classes is participating in the Galveston Bay Foundation Hip to Habitat Program. The “Get Hip to Habitat” program brings together GBF’s environmental education and habitat restoration initiatives into one program and integrates traditional classroom learning with “in the field” learning. The program provides a meaningful watershed educational experience for students. Participation in the program requires sustained activity and a commitment by teachers and students of a full school year. In the fall of the school year, students harvest native estuarine marsh grass from nursery ponds at the NRG EcoCenter in Baytown. Back on the campus grounds, they set up minimarsh grass nurseries on their school grounds that mimic the natural estuarine marsh environment. Throughout the school year, students cultivate the plugs of grasses and monitor the growth and health of the grasses by regularly testing and maintaining the proper environmental parameters of their nurseries. In the spring, students culminate their project by transplanting their matured grasses to local estuarine marsh restoration sites selected by GBF. In years past, the students from Anahuac HS has been planting in the Oak Island area to help erosion of the local shore. Throughout the school year, students learn about the Galveston Bay watershed and how they can become ambassadors of the bay via hands-on lessons from GBF’s Science of Galveston Bay curriculum and Bay Ambassadors presentations delivered by GBF education staff.
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Bike Around the Bay Volunteers AHS National Honor Society members and Anahuac High Cheerleaders helped out during the recent Bike Around the Bay event.
Anahuac National Honor Society was invited by Texas Children's Hospital staff to help decorate and volunteer in the annual Fall Festival held October 23.
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Bethany Brown Crowned Homecoming Queen
Homecoming Royalty In the back row above are Junior Class Duchess Stephanie Amaya, Sophomore Duchess Ty Bergeron and Freshman Duchess Kaila Thomas. In the front are Senior Princesses Bethany Brown, Addison Hemphill, Maria Magana and Rebecca Medders. Bethany Brown was crowned Homecoming Queen during halftime ceremonies in the game against Hardin. She is shown at left with her brother Brittan Brown.
Halloween Art The Anahuac High School Art 2 students pose with pumpkins and masks. The Art 1, Art 2 , Art 3 and Art 4 students spent the week using their artistic talents on masks and pumpkins in spirit of the season.
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We’re on the Web! anahuac.isd.net Check out a variety of valuable information!
Award-winning Door Cherry Morris’ second grade students proudly display their winning Drug-free Week decorated door.
The Slate Anahuac ISD Administration Office 804 Mikhael Ricks Drive Anahuac High School 201 S. Kansas Street 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 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 409267-2001. · Section 504 Coordinator, for concerns regarding discrimination on the basis of disability: Cindy Bertrand 409-267-2017.
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, The Slate
StuCo Members Attended Convention The officers of Anahuac High School Student Council attended the District 17 Student Council Fall Convention October 7 at Ford Park in Beaumont. The students heard messages from motivational speakers and learned priceless leadership skills during the convention. The students also participated in table talks where they collaborated with other school districts on ideas to better their respective schools. Those in attendance included Bethany Brown, Addison Hemphill, AnneMarie Henry, Ashlee Brinkley, Gaetlen Lewis, Aaliah Castillo, and Kristin Cao. The student council sponsor is Rebecca Green.
Important AISD Dates To Remember: Nov. 10: AISD Board meeting 6 p.m., in the Administration building. Public welcomed to attend.
Nov. 23: Bad Weather Day. Nov. 24-27: Thanksgiving Holiday.
Nov. 13: End of second six weeks.
