March 31, 2016 - La Porte Independent School District

THE LEADER
March 31, 2016
La Porte Independent School District
Every Student’s Success Is Our #1 Priority
Senior Alex Hobbs earns distinction as second leading scorer in Texas
Even though basketball season has ended, the
Next year, Alex is headed to Boise State University in
accolades keep coming for La Porte High School
Idaho, where he is looking forward to playing basketball
standout Alex Hobbs. Alex, the second leading scorer in
at the college level. The Boise State coaching staff
expressed interest in Alex early on, and Alex said they
the state with 31 points per game, has earned widespread
recognition for his athletic talents, yet his humble
have a “good program for athletes.”
demeanor reflects the little boy who once dreamed of
“They really believed in what I can do,” Alex said.
setting scoring records for the Bulldogs.
“Loyalty is a big thing with me, and they were interested
Alex literally grew up on La Porte High School’s
in me before a lot of other schools even knew who I
was.”
orange-and-white court, so it’s no surprise that he feels
While Alex may be in the beautiful mountains of
quite at home there. His father, Chuck Hobbs, has been
Idaho for the next few years, his heart will be in his
the LPHS assistant basketball coach for 20 years, and
Alex spent many afternoons watching practice and
hometown.
“The thing I like about La Porte is that it is really like
looking forward to the day when he, too, would be a
a family—everyone knows each other, and it’s small but
Bulldog.
not too small,” Alex said. “The community is great, and
“When I was little, I’d tell (the LPHS players) that I
I like the ‘feeling’ here. My experience growing up here
wanted to break the scoring records, and that motivated
me,” Alex said. And he didn’t disappoint—during his
was really good, and eventually I’d like to come back.”
With him at college, life will also be different for
four years at LPHS, he has set 23 different basketball
his parents, who have spent many years at practices and
records, scoring a total of 2,844 points in his high school
games for Alex as well as his older brother, Michael, a
career.
2012 LPHS graduate who now attends the University
Each year, Alex challenged himself to meet
Alex Hobbs with La Porte High School head basketball coach
personal goals, and his many honors reflect that Barry Gibson as Hobbs signs to play basketball at Boise State of Texas at San Antonio. For Chuck, it will be the first
growth. As a freshman, he was chosen for the Second University.
time in eight years that one of his sons has not been on
his LPHS team.
Team All-District and was Newcomer of the Year. As a
“It’s always been interesting—I still called him ‘Dad’ instead of ‘Coach Hobbs,’
sophomore, he was named to the First Team All-District. Last year, he was Offensive Most Valuable Player in District 21-6A and was selected to the Texas Association of and it’s been nice to have him here,” Alex said.
Basketball Coaches’ (TABC) All-Region Team.
Alex plans to major in business at Boise State and will begin classes on June 14,
This year, not only was Alex the District MVP, but he was also selected to the shortly after LPHS graduation on May 27. He hopes to play ball at the professional
TABC All-Region and All-State teams. In addition, he was chosen to play in the level with the eventual goal of becoming a college basketball coach. There’s no doubt
TABC All-Star Game that will take place in May 2016, and he will be listed in the that this intelligent and well-spoken young man has the drive and the talent to do just
that.
Texas High School Hall of Fame’s top 25 all-time leading scorers.
Alex’s success on the basketball court is equaled by his success in the classroom. “Alex is one of the hardest working student athletes I have been around in my 20His mother, Patience Hobbs, is a speech pathologist for LPISD, and Alex said that his plus years of coaching,” said Barry Gibson, head basketball coach for the Bulldogs.
“He understands how to truly work on his craft and embraces the daily grind of that
parents have instilled in him the importance of academics.
“Sometimes I try to act like it’s not, but academic success has always been process.
“He is a model for all of the underclassmen in our program and has set the bar
important to me—I always thought it would be great to be in the Top 100,” Alex said. “Discipline in the classroom means discipline on the court.”
very high for those to follow,” he continued. “His work in the gym and the weight
Alex is a member of the National Honor Society and has a grade point average room would mean nothing without academics, and he is an excellent student. I am
of 4.73, ranking 57th in his class of 500 students and attaining his goal of being very proud of his accomplishments, and I am very excited to see what the future
holds for Alex.”
recognized as one of the Top 100 academically ranked seniors.
Blake Gamez heads to state in powerlifting for the second time on April 2
La Porte High School senior Blake Gamez will advance to the Texas High School
Powerlifting Association State Championships in Abilene on Saturday, April 2, after
placing first at the regional meet on March 5.
Blake, who also qualified for the state contest last year, will compete in the
Division 1, 123-lb. weight class. At the regional competition, he lifted a total of 1,080
lbs. – a 420 lb. squat, 235 lb. bench press and 425 lb. deadlift. The squat and bench
press lifts at regionals were personal bests for Blake.
The state championships will be held at the Taylor County Expo Center in
Abilene. Blake placed 10th in the state at last year’s contest.
Blake is the son of Kim Whilley and Ray Gamez.
Right, La Porte High School senior Blake Gamez competes in the squat competition at the
regional meet at Katy Taylor High School on March 5. He achieved his personal best with a
lift of 420 lbs.
La Porte ISD earns Super Show award at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
For the fourth year in a row, La Porte ISD has earned the prestigious Super
Show award in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s School Art Program. The
announcement was made at the annual awards presentation held on March 6.
The Super Show award is given to school districts that are deemed as having
truly outstanding art shows and exhibitions. LPISD was one of 32 districts from
throughout the state that received this honor.
Representing La Porte ISD at the show were district Best of Show winners Tess
Wilson, junior at La Porte High School; Edyamin Hinojosa, seventh grader at Lomax
Junior High School; and Tyler Harmon, third grader at College Park Elementary.
Representing LPISD as district gold medalists were Britney Loerwald, La Porte
High School freshman; Joanna Munoz, La Porte High School sophomore; Kayleigh
Bland, Lomax Junior High School eighth grader; and Calista Beck, Bayshore
Elementary fourth grader.
LPHS Bulldog boys basketball team
players earn All-District honors
Members of the La Porte High School Board of Trustees recognize winners of the district’s
annual Rodeo Art Contest at the March 8 Board meeting. In front are Tyler Harmon, third
grader at College Park Elementary, Elementary Best of Show winner; Edyamin Hinojosa,
seventh grader at Lomax Junior High School, Junior High Best of Show winner; Calista Beck,
fourth grader at Bayshore Elementary, Elementary Gold Medal winner; and Kayleigh Bland,
eighth grader at Lomax Junior High School, Junior High Gold Medal winner. Congratulating
them are, in back from left, Matt Burke, LPISD director of performing and visual arts; and
trustees Kathy Green, Dee Anne Thomson, Lee Wallace, Charlcya Wheeler, Lois Rogerson
and David Janda. Not pictured are La Porte High School students Tess Wilson, High School
Best of Show winner, and Britney Loerwald and Joanna Munoz, High School Gold Medal
winners. La Porte ISD also was named a Super Show for the fourth consecutive year.
Seven members of the La Porte High School Bulldog boys basketball team
earned All-District honors this season.
Senior Alex Hobbs and junior Trace Womble were named to the First Team AllDistrict. Alex was also named Region 21-6A Most Valuable Player and was selected
to the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches All-Region and All-State Teams. He
will also play in the TABC All-Star Game in May 2016.
Senior Drew Harris was named to the Second Team All-District. Senior Cameron
Escobar, junior Trey Farley and sophomore Dominic Warner earned Honorable
Mention All-District honors.
They are under the direction of head coach Barry Gibson and assistant coach
Chuck Hobbs.
Bayshore Olympics track meet held at Bulldog Stadium March 10
La Porte High School junior Kelsey Ramirez runs the 800 in the March 10 Bayshore Olympics
held at Bulldog Stadium. Kelsey is currently ranked ninth in the state in the 800, and she also
La Porte’s Eric Kendzior, second from left, runs the final leg of the boys’ relay race during the runs the 1600. A member of the cross country team as well, Kelsey has run a personal best of
Bayshore Olympics, which was held on March 10 at Bulldog Stadium.
2:15 in the 800 and 5:12 for the mile.
LPHS UIL one-act play advances to April 2 bi-district contest
La Porte High School will advance to the bi-district round of the University
Interscholastic League one-act play competition after an outstanding performance at
the District 21 6-A contest on March 24 at Lee College.
The LPHS cast and crew, presenting scenes from Moon Over Buffalo by Ken
Ludwig, will compete on Saturday, April 2, at Dickinson High School. The contest
begins at 1:30 p.m., with LPHS performing second. Admission is $5 to see all of the
competing shows.
At the district contest, LPHS junior Soul Schillaci and senior Samantha Beacham
were named to the All-Star Cast, with junior Kendal Zemanek named Outstanding
Technician.
The cast includes Soul and Samantha as George Hay and Charlotte Hay,
respectively, with Casey Boriskie as Ethel, Maureen Gallington as Rosalind, and
Adrian Escareno as Howard. Grace Lassetter plays the part of Eileen, with Jonathan
Flores as Paul and Jason Barron as Richard.
Crew members include Kendal Zemanek, Aleya Cook, Georgia Zaborowski,
Sara McCabe and Rebecca Salinas. Alternates are Marlyn Beltran and McCade
Fletcher.
The one-act play is under the direction of Kerry Regan, Kelly Nelson and Steve
Regan.
Lomax Junior High UIL one-act play wins awards at March 5 competition
Several Lomax Junior High students earned top awards at the UIL one-act play
competition held at Friendswood Junior High School on March 5.
The Lomax Junior High School one-act play cast and crew, under the direction
of Andrea Angelo, were awarded third place for “Reynard the Fox.” Luke Boriskie
was named to the All-Star Cast, and Abbygaile Mireles received the Technical Crew
Honor Award. Braeden Christen received Honorable Mention All-Star Cast, as did
seven members of the “Ant Ensemble”—Blake Christen, Talyana Meadows, Kylie
Nutt, Rebekah Phillips, Nikki Rebstock, Jaeden Sweatt, Rachel Wise and Breanna
Zupan.
Members of the Lomax Junior High cast and crew also included Hunter
Anderson, Zach Axtell, Cynthia Bell, Jessica Cruz-Porter, Tiffany Goldstein, Kaitlyn
Hanson, Eric Navarro, Christina Owens, Cole Reed, Jackie Soria and Kayla Waters.
LPHS All-State Band participant
recognized at March 8 board meeting
Jennie Reid Elementary learns word
of the month “Responsibility”
La Porte High School senior Charles Johnson, center, is recognized at the March 8 meeting of
the La Porte ISD Board of Trustees after being selected to the All-State Band for the second
time. Congratulating him on this honor are, from left, Matt Burke, La Porte ISD director of
performing and visual arts; Kathy Green, trustee; Dee Anne Thomson, Board vice president;
Lee Wallace, Board president; Charlcya Wheeler, Board secretary; and Lois Rogerson and
David Janda, trustees. Charles was also selected for the All-State Band as a sophomore.
Jennie Reid Elementary fourth grade students introduced the Word of the Month for April,
Responsibility, by showing fellow students scenarios of responsible or irresponsible behaviors
and asking which scenario showed responsible behavior. Al Bledsoe, guest speaker from
Pasadena High School, encouraged students to be responsible, listen to parents and
teachers, and stay in school. Fifth graders led a pep rally for students taking STAAR test.
Four La Porte High School Chatos, former Jennie Reid Roadrunners, helped with chants and
cheers. First row, left to right, are Jakcob Mendiola, KeAndre Jackson, Kaylee Spradling,
Daniel Ortiz, Sebastian Johnson, Jacob Severson and Florentino Mendiola. Second row, left to
right, are Bailey Kello, Brooklyn Pace, Natalie Nix, Blaine Miller, Al Bledsoe, Brianna Allen,
Diamond Thomas and Jaden Wolfe-Garcia.
LPHS Interact students participate in
City of La Porte’s Servolution
La Porte Independent School District
1002 San Jacinto Street
La Porte, Texas 77571
www.lpisd.org
281-604-7000
The Leader is a publication of the La Porte ISD Communications Department.
The newsletter is published bi-weekly for the La Porte ISD community. Inquiries
should be directed to Terri Cook, Director of Public Relations, at cookt@lpisd.
org or Kimberly Culver, Communications Coordinator, at [email protected].
Members of the La Porte High School Interact Club were among those who volunteered their
time to help with projects throughout the community during the City of La Porte’s Servolution
on March 12. From left are John Batiste, Adrian Alegria, Christina Longoria, Elaine Leslie,
Sara Longoria and Toni Bonvillain.
Progress continues on La Porte ISD 2014 bond program projects
The exterior of the new career and technical education center at La Porte High School nears
completion. This photo shows the west side of the building, which is located just off of San
Jacinto Street next to the La Porte ISD Administration Building. The center will be completed
this summer and will open for students with the start of the 2016-17 school year.
The La Porte ISD athletic complex is full of activity on a recent evening as, from left, the
softball field, tennis courts, baseball field and, in the background, the football stadium are
lighted for athletic events. The softball field and tennis courts were recently completed as part
of the 2014 bond program.
The new gymnasium at La Porte Junior High School is also nearing completion. The gym is
under construction at the south side of the campus.
Brick work continues on the new fine arts facility at La Porte High School, which will be
completed this summer. The center is located just east of Bulldog Stadium and will house the
band, orchestra, choir, art and dance programs.
The construction team works on the front entrance of the new Lomax Elementary School,
Exterior work continues on the entrance to the new Baker Sixth Grade Campus. The new which will welcome students at the start of the 2016-17 school year. The new facility has an
facility is expected to be finished by the first of June, and the current school will be demolished anticipated completion date of June 1, and the current school will then be demolished during
this summer. Sixth graders will attend the new school with the start of the 2016-17 school year. the summer.
Norman Malone Memorial Mayor’s Golf Tournament set for April 27
The 12th annual Norman Malone
tournament play.
Memorial Mayor’s Golf Tournament
Team and hole sponsorships are
is set for Wednesday, April 27, at
available for $650, and hole sponsorships
La Porte’s Bay Forest Golf Course.
are available for $150. Tent sponsorships
Proceeds benefit the La Porte Education
are $500.
Foundation.
Prizes, based on a field of 120 players,
Tournament sponsors for this year’s
are $100 for first place in each flight, $75
event include Kuraray, Walmart, and
for second place; and $50 for third place.
Gringo’s.
Raffle prizes will also be available.
The Bill and Helen Crowder
“Norman’s dedication to the enrichment
Foundation is a La Porte Education
of the children in our community was
Foundation Distinguished Partner.
a foundation of his life work,” said
Platinum Partners include INVISTA,
Ann Malone, wife of the late mayor.
Kuraray, and LyondellBasell. Gold
“Continuing this work in his memory
Partners are The Chemours Company,
through the Education Foundation allows
The Dow Chemical Company, DuPont,
us to carry on that mission.”
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit
Checks may be made payable to the
Union, Kaneka North America LLC,
La Porte Education Foundation, and
Lubrizol, Noltex, LLC, and Shell Deer
payment may also be made on the LPEF
Park. Silver Partners are Beacon Federal
website at www.lpisdef.org. Contributions
Credit Union, H-E-B Tournament of Representatives of the La Porte Education Foundation’s golf tournament committee prepare for are tax deductible.
this year’s Norman Malone Memorial Mayor’s Golf Tournament set for April 27 at Bay Forest
Champions, IBI Group, SAMCO Capital
Entry forms are available on the
Golf Course. From left are Debbie Wade, Foundation board member; Robin Vest, Foundation
Markets, Inc., and Sulzer Turbo Services Board member and tournament chairperson; Alex Osmond, general manager of Bay Forest LPEF website at www.lpisdef.org or the
Houston, Inc.
Golf Course; Charlotte Pennye, Foundation executive director; Stephen Barr, Foundation Bay Forest Golf Club website at www.
Shotgun starts will begin at board member; Jade Taylor, event coordinator for Gringo’s; and Dottie Kaminski and Dennis bayforestgolf.com. Forms and payment
8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The format is a four- Slate, Foundation board members. For more information on the tournament, contact Pennye may be mailed to Bay Forest Golf Course,
person scramble with two flights, with at 281-604-7038 or visit www.lpisdef.org or www.bayforestgolf.com.
201 Bay Forest Drive, La Porte, Texas
the second flight based on average
77571. Corporate checks are welcomed.
tournament score.
For more information, call Bay Forest Golf Course at 281-471-4653 or the
Tournament sponsorships are available for $5,000 (includes 3 teams and 3 hole La Porte Education Foundation at 281-604-7038.
sponsorships), $2,500 (includes two teams and 2 hole sponsorships), and $1,000 The mission of the La Porte Education Foundation (LPEF) is to enhance
(includes one team and one hole sponsorship).
education by funding innovative, creative instructional projects for the students and
The tournament fee is $137.50 per person or $550 per team, which includes teachers of the La Porte Independent School District. Since 1993, more than 1,300
green fee, cart fee, range balls, two mulligans, a putting contest, and one “Tiger teachers have received funding for grants and special projects totaling more than $1.3
Drive” per team. Breakfast and lunch are provided for the first flight, and lunch and million dollars. For information, please visit, http://www.lpisdef.org.
dinner are provided for the second flight. A fajita dinner and awards will follow
LPISD District Calendar
3/31/16 - Thursday
LPHS - Pre - UIL Band Concert - Sonja Angelo Theater
Heritage Elementary presents its
Hawks of the Month for March
4/1/16 - Friday
Elementary Report Cards
5th Graders Visit Baker
Bayshore Elementary - NEU Flag Ceremony - 3rd grade
College Park Elementary - Principals’ Pride Celebrations
LPHS - Bulldogs Softball vs. Deer Park - 6:45 PM
LPHS - Bulldogs Baseball @ Galena Park North Shore - 7 PM
4/4/16 - Monday
College Park Elementary - PPCD Field Trip to Children’s Museum
College Park Elementary - Tuition Based PK Payment Due
4/5/15 - Tuesday
Baker - EKG’s for Jr High Athletics
Baker - Baker Bears’ Country Fair - 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
LPHS - Bulldogs Softball @ Baytown Sterling - 6:45 PM
LPHS - Bulldogs Baseball vs. Channelview - 7 PM
LPISD Tomorrow Program - 5:30 - 7 PM - LPHS Student Center
4/6/16 - Wednesday
College Park Elementary - 5th Grade Field Trip
to Museum of Natural Science
College Park Elementary - 5th Grade Science Club - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PM
4/7/16 - Thursday
College Park Elementary - 2nd Grade Field Trip to Armand Bayou
College Park Elementary - Drama Club - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PM
LPHS - Senior Panoramic Picture - 9 AM - Main Gym
4/8/16 - Friday
Heritage Elementary - Spring Fling - 5 PM - 6:30 PM
Rizzuto Elementary - Rocket of the Month & JSC Deposit Day - 7:20 AM - 7:50
AM
Baker - Club Day
LPHS - Chatos Spring Show - 6:30 PM - Main Gym
LPHS - Bulldogs Baseball vs. Deer Park - 7 PM
Heritage Elementary announces its students of the month for March. They include kindergarten
students Isaac Ochoa, Jocelynn Pendergraft, Liam Poznicha and Gizelle Rodriguez; first
graders Daylen Maldonado, Mario Medina and Skyla Zamora; second graders Kyley Reeder,
Estefany Cisneros Victoria Jimenez, and Grady Ferranti; third graders Aalyiah Garrett, Dax
Stokes, Leonardo Cantu, Alex Cruz and Dominick Martinez; fourth graders Jasmine Lewis,
Jacob Nelms, Jennipher Olvera and Carmen Moreno; and fifth graders Marco Moreno, Sandy
Torres, Kaydence Tucker and Ashlyn Chapa. Assistant principal Tracy Greenwood and the
Chick-fil-A cow are pictured with the honored students.
College Park Elementary announces its
Cougars of the Month for March
4/11/16 - Monday
La Porte Elementary - CiCi’s Pizza Spirit Night - 2 PM - 9 PM
DEIC Meeting - 4 PM - 6 PM - LPISD Admin. Board Room
4/12/16 - Tuesday
LPHS - Bulldogs Softball vs. Port Arthur Memorial - 6:45 PM
LPHS - Bulldogs Baseball @ Baytown Sterling - 7 PM
Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - 7 PM LPISD Admin. Board Room
4/13/16 - Wednesday
College Park Elementary - 4th Grade Science Club - 3:10 PM - 4:30 PM
College Park Elementary - Smash Burger Spirit Night - 5 PM - 8 PM
This is the calendar information that is available at press time. Please refer to the La Porte ISD district calendar at www.lpisd.org for changes
and additional information.
LPHS Lady Bulldogs soccer advances
to second round of playoffs
College Park Elementary announces its students of the month for March. They include prekindergarten students Liliana Garza, Greyson Sibley and Izaiah Rivera; kindergarten students
Peyton Henry, Miley Careaga, and Aaron Cruz; first graders Kaitlyn McFatridge, Isaac
Salinas and Jacee Replogle; second graders Chloe Munoz, Vincent Varela, Cheyenne Salazar
and Sylvia Acosta (not pictured); third graders Rylee Endsley, Lily Bonsal, Julian Arellano
and Kristopher Torres; fourth graders Delylah Rea, Jon Gabriel Gann and Aislynn Goree (not
pictured); and fifth graders Nayeli Escalante, Bryce Shawley and Madyson Lopez. Principal
Camilla Whitlock and counselor Joshua Rutherford are pictured with the honored students.
The La Porte High School girls soccer team will advance to the second round
of the playoffs this Saturday, April 2. The Lady Bulldogs will play Fort Bend ISD’s
Clements High School at Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd. in Sugar Land.
Game time is 2 p.m.
Tickets are $5 per person. Let’s cheer on our Lady Bulldogs as they take on the
Clements Rangers!
The La Porte Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, 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; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Title IX Coordinator is Isela Montes, Executive Director of Human Resources, 1002 San
Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7110. The Section 504 Coordinator is Cynthia Anderson, Executive Director of Special
Programs, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7034.
El Distrito Independiente Escolar de La Porte no discrimina sobre la base de edad, raza, religión, color, origen nacional, sexo u incapacidad
para proveer servicios educacionales, actividades y programas, incluyendo programas vocacionales, de acuerdo con el Título VI del Acta de
Derechos Civiles de 1964, como fue enmendada; Título IX de las Enmiendas Educacionales de 1972; Sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación
de 1973, como fue enmendada; y el Título II del Acta de Americanos con Incapacidades. La Coordinadora del Título IX es Isela Montes,
Directora Ejecutiva para Recursos Humanos, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Teléfono (281) 604-7110. La Coordinadora de la
Sección 504 es Cynthia Anderson, Directora Ejecutiva de Programas Especiales, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Teléfono (281)
604-7034.