Anahuac Independent School District The Slate October, 2013
AMS Kids Participate in GREAT Program Anahuac Middle School is participating this year in the GREAT program — Gang Resistance and Training.
Board Recognizes Many Pg. 2
The goal of the program is to help reduce delinquency, youth violence, and gang involvement. Local criminal justice professionals, certified through approved training program, deliver the 13–lesson curriculum to students in their classrooms during the school day.
Inside this issue of The Slate:
AHS Student Commended Pg. 4 Art & Ecology Pg. 6
Deputy Dan Houghton is shown above speaking to a class of sixth graders.
AES Celebrates Gatorfest Excitement was expressed in a sea of gator green September 10 as Anahuac Elementary celebrated Gatorfest with its annual parade. Families attended to watch the procession.
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AISD Board Honors Students & Teachers The Anahuac ISD Board October 8 recognized several groups for their varied service to the District. AES students were recognized as members of the flag crew, putting up and taking down each day the American and Texas flags, as well as taking down the flags during inclement weather. Eighth graders were recognized for their membership in the Anahuac High School Band and the additional effort they put into their practices. Junior Dominique Lugo was honored for coming to the aid of an 11 year-old (see story on Page 4.)
Dominique Lugo is shown with AHS Principal Eric Humphrey, Supt. James Hopper and Assistant Principal Cindy Bertrand.
AHS Science teacher, second from left, is shown with Board member Kate Hampton, AHS Principal Eric Humphrey and Soil & Water Conservation District Board member Karla Dean.
AES Assistant Principal Mitzi Higginbotham shown with Principal Tetyana Yeromenko and Board member Cris Stephenson.
AES Assistant Principal Mitzi Higginbotham was recognized for all that she does at AES, in addition to serving as District Textbook Coordinator. AHS science teacher Corena Fitzgerald was honored for her work at AHS as well as being named local Teacher of the Year by the Soil & Water Conservation District Board and nominated for state S&WCD Teacher of the Year. In other business, the Board voted to renovate the house at 703 Mikhael Ricks Drive, typically used as the superintendent residence. Maintenance Director Jim Felice reported that renovations to the District pool were complete and the pool is able to be used again. The Board approved a waiver allowing classes at Anahuac Elementary to have more than the regulation 22 students per teacher ratio. Board members also discussed whether it was financially feasible to hire additional teachers to make classes smaller, with all expressing the desire to have fewer students per teacher. Also approved was an $11,001 bid by James Colquitt for land parcel 18421, up for sale for unpaid taxes. Anahuac ISD will receive $3,899.77 of the funds. The members of the District School Health Advisory Board were approved, as well. Before the regular meeting October 8, a Public Hearing was held on the District’s rating with Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas. The District, once again, received a rating of Superior.
The 8th grade members of the AHS band shown with Band Director Kara Phillips and Board member Chris Jircik.
The AES flag crew shown with Assistant Principal Mitzi Higginbotham and Board member Ben Beaoui.
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Creating a Culture of Destination By AISD Superintendent James Hopper
At Anahuac ISD, we know that if we are to prepare students for success after high school, we must be well aware of potential career options for students. We must also make sure that students are not only informed, but well-equipped to make good decisions based on that information. This enables a student to prepare for his/her destination, by their decisions made today. They can always change their minds later, and many will. However, they will be much further ahead and will have created more options for themselves later if they prepare now. AISD administrators are helping students to prepare by using job projections data to plan curriculum for 2014-15 and beyond. One such source of data is a study of the Gulf coast region recently completed by Workforce Solutions. The study projects Gulf coast region job market growth out to 2020. Armed with this information, students can begin to plan for their next steps after high school. If they know what their destination is, they can begin to plan more specifically while in high school, and understand the importance of these years. The good news for the Gulf coast region is that there are lots of jobs out there now and there are more projected. Some of these jobs require a college degree, associate’s degree, or a certification. Suffice it to say that the more training or education a student receives, the more options they will have. Since the region’s population is also projected to grow, we can expect a greater demand for all essentials, such as medical services. It is projected that there will be
More Board News ...
3,500 more positions for doctors and dentists in 2020. Of course, these physicians will need technicians and technological assistants as well. Our students also need to be prepared for careers in computer software, or as systems administrators. In the broad field of technology, there is also a projected need for market research analysts, which demands a good background in statistical data. By the year 2020, teaching jobs are expected to increase 46.7%. That means an additional 48,000 teachers will be needed, with emphasis on Math, Science, Bilingual, and Special Education fields. It is expected that there will be some 4,000 more welding jobs in 2020. Increases are also anticipated in pipefitting, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and mechanics of all sorts. These are just a few of the options open to our students, and this list does not begin to scratch the surface of the possibilities. We will be meeting soon with students to discuss options, and help them plan for their individual destination.
The AISD Board met in a special session September 24 and approved adding a computer technician position to the staff.
“Technology assessed the technology situation and sent out a cry for help,” said Superintendent James Hopper to the Board. Currently, AISD employs Kenny Dean as Technology Director and Lori Lambert as Instructional Technologist. Because both of the employees are so tied up with the approximately 200 technology requests from other staff members, neither can concentrate on the work that they were hired to perform. The Board approved the extra position and asked for a detailed state of the technology department report for a future meeting. In other business, the Board discussed, at length, what to do with the house at 703 Mikhael Ricks Drive that is typically used as superintendent housing. The 65 year-old structure is in need of repairs and the Board will decide in a future meeting what should be done. Currently, the District is renting another house in the area for Supt. Hopper.
Celebrate Freedom Week Observed AMS History teachers decked out in historical costume to observe Celebrate Freedom Week September 1417. Students dressed in red, white and blue polos and walls were lined in patriotic colors.
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The Slate
AMS Students Plan and Create Compost Tumbler The Anahuac Middle School Gifted and Talented students donned safety gloves recently and pitched in to help build a compost tumbler. Maintenance Department employees Jim Felice and Jackie Hodges helped the students in using the tools and equipment necessary to create a tumbler that the students worked to plan. The tumbler will be used to create compost for the GT garden within the District. “Jim Felice and Jackie Hodges did
an amazing job working with the kids in the shop,” said GT teacher Tammy King. “They were so impressed with the students’ behavior and willingness to work! “I’m really proud of the kids for getting the plans together for the compost tumbler, working out the details, and with Jim and Jackie’s guidance, troubleshoot and problem solve to get the tumbler made,” Ms. King added.
Students are busy creating the compost tumbler they helped to plan.
The tumbler will be used in the GT garden.
AHS Student Commended For Aiding 11 Year-old AHS junior Dominique Lugo was truly a good Samaritan when he helped a Hamshire-Fannett student who was left behind. The 11 year-old had ridden to Anahuac September 6 for the football game with friends of his. But, when the game was over and it was time to leave, his “ride” was nowhere to be found. The young man, who did not have a cell phone, searched both sides of the stands and the restrooms, but everyone was gone and the stadium lights were going off. He stood at the front gate in a complete panic, wondering how he was going to get home. About that time, Dominique happened to drive by and noticed the distraught young man. Dominique turned his vehicle around and pulled up by the boy to ask him if he needed help. The 11year-old explained that he was left at the game and had no phone and no way of getting home. Dominique let the boy use his phone to call his mom. His mom phoned the friend, who was already at least 30 minutes away, and the friend turned around to pick up the boy. Dominique waited with the young man until his “ride” returned to get him. “The boy’s mother called from Hamshire-Fannett to let me know that one of our AHS students exhibited great citizenship after the HFAnahuac game,” said Anahuac High School Assistant Principal Cindy Bertrand. “We are very proud of Dominique and are glad to share his act of kindness with others,” Ms. Bertrand added. Dominique Lugo
The Slate
Students Visit Discover-AQ On September 24, the Anahuac High School physics and AP chemistry classes traveled to Smith Point to the research grounds of Discover-AQ. Discover-AQ is a campaign provided by NASA to conduct research to help satellites monitor air quality for public health. Penn State and MIllersville University graduate and undergraduate students were working at the site to research the air quality in the local area. While at the site, AHS students observed several stations that included weather balloon insertion, solar radiation measurement, air quality measurement, and NOx measurement. Students were also given the chance to release weather balloons that they signed. “This was a great experience to tie chemistry and physics to student life and to see how science can impact their futures,” said AP chemistry teacher Rebecca Green. Physics teacher is Kirk Moore.
A Creative Way to Know the Elements AMS Mad Science students gained a better understanding of how the Periodic Table of Elements is arranged by completing a technology project titled Periodic Table of Movies. The week-long project included interpretation of the Periodic Table, critical thinking, application, and technology skills.
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Algebra Courses During Spring Semester College algebra courses through Lamar Institute of Technology will be held Wednesday nights, 5-8:30 p.m. at Anahuac High School for all interested persons. Class will begin January 8, but registration will begin in November. Contact Bryn Brashear at AHS for more information, 267-2021 or
[email protected].
Being Prepared ... Rain or shine - AES Asst. Principal Mitzi Higginbotham is ready to welcome AES kids each morning!
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The Slate
Many AHS Students Score High on AP Exams Several Anahuac High School students have achieved high scores on the Advanced Placement exam in the past two school years. This year, Levi Cormier, Brooks Rundzieher, Sly Nunn, Kaitlyn Gresham, Ashley Johnson and Bailee Huffsmith were recognized for scoring a 3 or higher on the AP exam. Last year, students Whitney Abshier, Victoria Davis, Kaitlin Hooper, and Macy Morehead scored a 3 or higher on their AP exam. The Advanced Placement (AP) is a program created by the College Board, offering college-level curriculum and examinations to high school students. Colleges often grant placement and credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. Some colleges use AP test scores to exempt students from introductory coursework. Each college's policy is different, but most require a minimum score of 3 or 4 to receive college credit. At left are AP U. S. History teacher Mario Garza with Levi Cormier and Brooks Rundzieher.
At right are AP English Language and Composition teacher Kyra Williams with Levi Cormier, Sly Nunn, Brook Rundzieher, Kaitlyn Gresham, Ashley Johnson and Bailee Huffsmith.
Students Combine Art With Ecology Students from Tammy King’s Gifted and Talented class had the opportunity to create with water colors while learning a lot more about Galveston Bay. The Artist Boat program allowed the students to kayak out into the coastal areas of the bay, learning about the ecology of the area. The students then created water color pictures from what they experienced during the field trip.
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AISD Club Speaks To Anahuac Lions’ Club Anahuac High School Roots and Shoots Club attended the Anahuac Lions’ Club meeting September 24 to inform the community about its recycling program. The students presented information on the location of local recycling centers, how much is actually recycled per year, and all of the volunteer activities that they participate in each year. An effort that Roots and Shoots is trying to push is use of reusable bags in grocery stores.
Cities such as Austin have already banned plastic grocery bags. The Lion Club members asked many questions about the items that the centers recycle and where to take these items. The Roots and Shoots recycling centers are located by the track at the high school, behind the elementary school, and behind the library of the middle school. The recycling centers are available for plastic and paper only. Any paper can be recycled, including magazines, cardboard, and books.
The Chambers County box sites also have paper and plastic recycling, available along with a battery recycle site. In addition to its recycling efforts, Roots and Shoots students will be participating in the Wildlife Expo, assisting the veterans on Veterans Day, helping with Toys for Tots, and various conservation projects. “Roots and Shoots thanks the Lions’ Club for inviting us to come speak and serving us with a very nice dinner,” said advisor Corena Fitzgerald.
Roots and Shoots members are shown at right with Anahuac Lions’ Club members.
Roots and Shoots members are shown at left with items to be recycled.
Anahuac FFA TRF Results Listed
Breeding Beef Female Show Katrina Swope - Champion Intermediate Showman. Collin Willcox - 3rd place Brahman, 4th place Brahman. Welding Contest: Jenna Turner - 3rd place Charolais Female Kade Till - Jr. Division 3rd place. Jonah Witcher - 3rd place Simbrah. Hayden Barbeaud - Sr. Division 10th place. Brianna Humphrey - 2nd place Registered Brahman, Influenced 1st place Registered Brahman, Prospect Steer Show Influenced and Reserve Division Registered BrahAustin Nauman - Reserve Grand Overall. man, and Influenced Female. Garret Villemez - First place Heavyweight Exotic . Katrina Swope - 1st place Maine Anjou Female. Kaylie Villemez - Second place Heavyweight Exot- Austin Nauman - 2nd place Maine Anjou Female. ic. Katrina Swope - Division Champion and Reserve,
Maine Anjou Female and Reserve Champion Female. Austin Nauman - 2nd Registered AOB. Bobbie Turner - 1st place AOB. Livestock Judging Katrina Swope - 2nd place High Point Individual Jr. Division - judged 4-H. Austin Nauman - 7th place High Point Individual Sr. Division. Senior Team: Austin Nauman, Garret Villemez, Kaylie Villemez, Collin Willcox - 6th place.
The Slate Anahuac ISD
Getting ‘Hip to Habitat’
Administration Office 804 Mikhael Ricks Drive
On October 2, 55 eager high school students traveled to Baytown to get “Hip to Habitat” by working with the Galveston Bay Foundation to rebuild habitat that has been destroyed over time by hurricanes and erosion.
Anahuac High School 201 S. Kansas Street
Kelsea Broomas’, Corena Fitzgerald’s and Rebecca Green’s Pre-AP Biology and AP Chemistry classes are taking part in a yearlong service project that will help to give back to the very community in which we live.
Anahuac Middle School 706 Mikhael Ricks Drive
Students started their day by learning about the wetland ecosystems that surround the area, and how the ecosystems are an integral part of people’s lives even when they don’t realize it. The students then got down and dirty in the trenches at Baytown’s NRG plant to harvest over 600 smooth chord plants.
Anahuac Elementary 905 Ross Sterling District Phone: 409-267-3600
This grass, native to the Anahuac area, is an essential part to the wetland ecosystem by providing food, shelter and erosion control.
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: Deanna Humphrey 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
The students traveled back to Anahuac High School and transplanted each individual plant to its own pot. The pot was then placed in to a pool that was filled with salt water that would best mimic the natural environment in which the plants grow. The students will monitor these plants over the next seven months by checking the salinity of the water, temperature, plant growth, disease and overall plant health. In May, the students will then transplant these plants back into a wetland ecosystem.
Ben Beaoui …………...…. President Calvin Hill………..…. Vice President
Check Out AISD’s New & Improved Website
Allen Herrington …………. Secretary
anahuacisd.net has a new look in the District’s effort to make the site more up to date and easy to navigate. Check out the site’s vast amount of information and for fun, view the photo slide show of our students’ activities.
Chris Jircik Ken McGraw
Kate Hampton Cris Stephenson
Sue Hawthorne Editor, The Slate
Important AISD Dates To Remember: Oct. 22: AMS/AHS Fall Photo retakes. Oct. 22: AHS Open House and Senior Summit 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 29: Progress Reports. Oct. 29: AES Fall Photo retakes. Oct. 29: AES Faa-boo-lous Family Night, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 30: Early Release. Nov. 8: AES Veterans’ Day Program at the flagpole 8:30 a.m. Nov. 8: Athletic Booster Club Steak Dinner, 5 p.m., east side of boys’ weight room.
