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YOUR
SCH
Volume VII, No. 2
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Inside the Galena Park Independent School District
Inside this issue
of Your Schools
Page 2
• Around the District
• Cloverleaf Elementary
PTA takes top honors at
state seminar
Fall 2004
WAMS wins $650,000 technology grant
for students and teachers
For Woodland Acres Middle School (WAMS) eighth grade student Elba Duque, working on a wireless
laptop computer will be a new experience.
“I’m really looking forward to learning to use a laptop computer,” Duque said.
Duque, her classmates and her teachers are participating in a Technology Immersion Piloting (TIP) Grant,
which provids 478 wireless laptop computers to all of the sixth, seventh and eighth grade students and teachers at
WAMS.
“We are thrilled that our students have the opportunity to be exposed to this technology,” Orphalinda Bazan,
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principal, WAMS, said. “This will get the kids excited about learning.”
• Around the District
The TIP Grant is designed to “immerse” the entire campus in learning technology. The primary goal is to
increase achievement in the core areas of English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
“Learning from a book can become boring,” Duque said. “The laptops will keep kids more interested, they’ll
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pay attention and be excited about doing homework.”
• Making Headlines
Students will also be learning word processing skills, creating spreadsheets and developing proper email
• A Message from the
techniques. Online diagnostic assessment tools will pinpoint student strengths and weaknesses in various subject
areas.
Superintendent
According to Anita Givens, director of educational technology, Texas Education Agency (TEA), leading education
technology experts at TEA developed the concept of technology immersion.
“Texas schools are pioneering an entirely new concept in education technology. National and state educators will be following the progress of the students at
Woodland Acres Middle School with great enthusiasm,” Givens said.
TEA is providing approximately $14 million in TIP grants to 22 middle schools in Texas this year. Teams of top technology and education companies in the
United States competed earlier this spring for a chance to offer their products
and services as a package that includes computer hardware and educational
software to schools participating in TEA’s TIP grant program. Students and
teachers at Woodland Acres Middle School will receive Dell Inspiron 1150
wireless laptop computers.
“There is a wealth of educational content online and available to students,”
Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools, Galena Park ISD, said. “This
grant will make learning more real and even more relevant for our students.”
Students will be able to take their laptop computers home at night and on
weekends to assist with homework and research assignments. Parents are also
encouraged to use the laptop computers as a source for information and to
communicate with teachers.
Duque said her parents do not have a computer at home. “I’m planning to
teach my parents some new computer skills.”
Seventh grade student Gilbert Salas explained that he and his mother share
a computer at home. “There are a lot of times when my mom and I both need
to use the computer, but now she can do her work on the computer and I can
do my projects on the laptop.”
“This grant will allow our teachers to take their students to new heights,”
Bazan said.
For students like Duque and Salas, the educational possibilities at Woodland
LEARNING ABOUT LAPTOPS. Duque and Salas look forward to using
Acres Middle School are endless.
the wireless laptop computers in their classrooms and at home.
Be a Special Santa
The spirit of the season can often be lost among holiday parties, gift
buying and hurried travel. If you desire to renew the Christmas spirit
within yourself or to teach your children about charitable giving, there
are many families with children attending GPISD schools who are in need
of assistance this holiday season. If you would like to provide gifts,
food or money to help make Christmas brighter for any of these families,
please contact your child’s school counselor or call the Department of
Social Services at 832-386-1032.
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Fall 2004
Your Schools
Around the District
SHADING OUT DRUGS. First grade students at Cimarron Elementary joined
millions of students across the country in recognizing Red Ribbon Week by wearing
red ribbons and sunglasses to school to “shade out drugs.” The red ribbon/antidrug campaign began in 1988 to honor the memory of Drug Enforcement Agent
Enrique “Kiki” Camerena, who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by drug
dealers in Mexico in 1985. First row from left, Solmarie Ipina, and Xochiti
Cruz. Second row, Savannah Martinez, Sally Diehl, teacher, and Carlos Gutierrez. HIGH SCHOOL HUMOR. The North Shore Mustang Players presented
“The Supporting Cast” by George Furth. This humorous production is about
how a group of friends deal with one member in their clique revealing details of
their lives in a novel. Seated, Lindy Seale, senior. Second row, Marcella
Rodriguez, junior; Chris Cantu, junior; Leandra Taylor, junior; and Amber Price,
senior.
Good News in GPISD!
Cloverleaf Elementary PTA takes top honors at state seminar
For the first time in history, the Cloverleaf Elementary School Parent this program the school counselor coordinates with local agencies to
Teacher Association (PTA) was honored with two prestigious state visit the campus to provide resources and services to parents. Parents
participate in a 12-week program
awards at the Texas PTA Summer
where they are educated about the
Leadership Seminar in Austin,
importance of assisting with
Texas. Cloverleaf Elementary
homework
assignments,
PTA took home the Health
developing good parenting skills,
Concerns Award and the Parent
nutrition, and health issues.
Education Award.
“This program makes
“This is a big honor,” Rose
parents more aware of what is
Mary Parra, PTA president,
available to them and teaches
Cloverleaf Elementary, said.
them new skills,” Godell said. “It
“These awards show how hard
also gets them involved with other
everyone in our PTA works to
activities at the school.”
improve our community.”
Sharon Goldblatt, parent
Since the 1940s Cloverleaf
education
programming
Elementary PTA members have
chairperson, Texas PTA board of
been dedicated to serving their
directors,
commended
students, parents and families in
Cloverleaf Elementary PTA for
the community. The Health
their dedication to uphold the
Concerns Award is a reflection
principals on which PTA was
of that dedication. Over ten years
STATE WINNERS. First row from left, Ofelia Garza, principal; and Rose Mary
founded. “Their parents are better
ago, Cloverleaf Elementary PTA
Parra, PTA president. Second row, Becky Godell, Cloverleaf membership
began a health program to meet chairperson; Esmeralda Perez, publicity chairperson; and Janet Scholar, Cloverleaf prepared to cope with the issues
facing their children because of
the needs of its students. PTA treasurer.
the quality information presented
Through the program, 975
students receive immunizations, hearing and vision tests, instruction through these programs. Texas PTA salutes Cloverleaf PTA as a model
on proper dental hygiene, and information on other health care related for all local units across the state.”
concerns in English and Spanish each school year.
According to Becky Godell, Cloverleaf Elementary membership
chairperson, the health program has an impact on daily attendance. “Our
attendance has improved because our students are healthy and receiving
the medical attention they need,” Godell said.
In conjunction with promoting good health, Cloverleaf Elementary
PTA also works to educate parents through its parenting program. Under
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Fall 2004
Your Schools
Around the District
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY. Green Valley Elementary students watched as
“Buster” the school bus visited to teach lessons about school bus safety
procedures. The transportation department sponsors Buster, which is a remote
control school bus used as an interactive approach to teaching students how to
safely walk to and from the bus, how to safely get on and off the bus and how to
be safe bus riders.
SUPERINTENDENT’S ADVISORS. The Superintendent’s Student
Advisory Board (SAB) is comprised of student representatives from the three
high school campuses. Established nine years ago, SAB gives students the
opportunity to voice concerns to the superintendent about issues taking place at
school. First row from left, Estrella Ramirez, sophomore, NSHS; Hilda Flores,
junior, NSSH; Jessica Guzman, senior, NSSH; Brittany Smith, freshman, NSHS;
Amicha Williams, junior, NSSH; and Cathy Hernandez, senior, GPHS. Second
row, Stephanie Lozano, sophomore, GPHS; Katie Reche, sophomore, GPHS;
Braylon Gurnell, sophomore, NSHS; Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent; Alejandro
Bazaldua, freshman, NSHS; Albert Seydler, senior, GPHS; Robert Flores, senior,
NSSH. Not photographed, Lattiffia Randle, junior, GPHS; Jessica Limon, junior,
GPHS; Victor Broussard, freshman, GPHS; and Lester Bush, freshman, GPHS.
SNOW PLAY DAY. One hundred thirty-five MacArthur Elementary students
participated in a fundraiser for their PTA. The students sold over $12,000 in
cookie dough and as a reward for their efforts they enjoyed a play day in the
snow. Fourth grade students Emily Catherine Dean and Patricia Biles took
advantaged of the their time in the snow by tossing snowballs at each other.
TERRIFIC TEACHERS. From left, Marco Salazar, Pyburn Elementary; Ana
Cabral-Guillen, North Shore Elementary; Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent; Joel
Leal, Green Valley Elementary; and Magdalena Guajardo, Galena Park
Elementary, attended the international teachers social to celebrate their arrival
from Mexico. There are a total of 88 international teachers working in Galena
Park ISD from Canada, Mexico, Spain and the Philippines.
IMMERSED IN CULTURE. Austin Higgins, second grade, Tice Elementary,
took part in the Multicultural Festival by learning about Native American Indians.
Twelve thousand people from three area school districts including Galena Park
ISD, businesses and the community attended to celebrate the diversity in our
communities.
Great things are
happening in GPISD!
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Fall 2004
Your Schools
Making Headlines
SUN SHINES ON STINGERS. Local 2 Weather Anchor Wes Hohenstein
interviewed Sunshine Award recipient Leslie Anderson. Anderson was selected
for the Sunshine Award for her determination and dedication to organizing the
Stingers drill team and teaching math at Galena Park Middle School. Anderson
is a GPISD graduate and has been a teacher at Galena Park Middle for three
years.
SUNNY SKIES OVER CMS. Sandy Tijerina, head custodian, Cunningham
Middle School, was honored with a Local 2 Sunshine Award. Weather Anchor
Wes Hohenstein flew to the school on Chopper 2 to present the award. Laura
Infante, truancy clerk, nominated Tijerina because she is dedicated to children
and goes above and beyond the call of duty. Tijerina has worked in Galena
Park ISD for 24 years. From left, Infante, Tijerina, and Hohenstein.
A Message from the Superintendent
My first semester as superintendent has gone
extremely well. Student achievement both in and out
of the classroom has been exceptional. I am thankful
to be a part of the Galena Park ISD team and the
community that supports this district.
Education has been in the news a lot over the
past few months and what the politicians and
legislators are talking about can be difficult to decipher
for those who aren’t involved in education day in and
day out. But because your children are ultimately
the ones impacted by government mandates and
school law, it is important that you are aware and
understand everything that is going on.
Throughout the summer and into the start of the
school year much was made of the state school
finance system. The component of this system you
are probably most familiar with is “Robin Hood.”
Under “Robin Hood,” also known as the share-thewealth “recapture” system, school districts that are
considered “property rich” send a portion of their
property taxes to the state that in turn distributes the
money to “property poor” districts. The judge did not
declare “Robin Hood” specifically unconstitutional.
However, he did agree with the school districts that
sued the state claiming they didn’t have enough money
to provide an adequate education. He also determined
Volume VII, No. 2 Fall 2004
Your Schools is published periodically by the Galena Park Independent School District under the
direction of the superintendent for the purpose of
informing the citizens about district events, programs
and accomplishments.
GPISD Board of Trustees
Jerry Toliver, President
Dawn Thompson-Fisher, Vice President
C.C. “Buddy” Wilson, Secretary
Wayne Oquin, Member
Jeff Miller, Member
Cruz R. Hinojosa, Jr., Member
William Bill Cobbs, Member
Dr. Mark Henry
Superintendent
Dr. Angi Williams
Assistant Superintendent
School/Community Relations
Staci Stanfield
Director of Communications
Kelly Rainey
Graphic design/layout
the current system as a whole unconstitutional and
has given the state legislature one year to create a
satisfactory replacement.
Galena Park ISD is considered a “property poor”
district, so where does that leave us. Well as most
legal proceedings go this one is not over. The state
will appeal the judge’s decision to the Texas Supreme
Court and the Texas Legislature will reconvene in the
spring to begin the process to fund public education
equitably and adequately.
Another topic that was debated during the recent
presidential election was the No Child Left Behind
Act (NCLB). Since January 8, 2002, NCLB has been
guiding educators to concentrate in four major areas:
• Accountability for student achievement
• Use of proven education methods
• More flexibility for states and local districts
• Parental involvement
In Texas and Galena Park ISD, we are ahead of the
game when it comes to implementing many of the
NCLB guidelines. For several years our state has
had in place the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS) which identifies what Texas students should
know and be able to do at every grade level. The
comprehension of these skills is then tested on the
TAKS exam. In our own district, the Graduate Profile,
which includes many of the
same objectives as NCLB,
makes for a smooth application
of these mandates.
Recently, our district was
rated Recognized by the Texas
Education Agency. Many of
you may recall that two years ago GPISD was rated
Exemplary, so this may look like a step back.
However, last year the state introduced a new, more
difficult test for our students. Considering there was
less than a year to prepare for the new exam, we
are very pleased with our scores. Galena Park ISD
is one of the few large districts to achieve the
Recognized status.
We are truly grateful for your support of our
accomplishments and of our students and their
achievements. As we approach the holiday season I
hope each of you will have the chance to slow down
during the hectic times and reflect on the past year.
We have so many reasons to be thankful.
YOUR
SCH
Galena Park Independent School District
LS
14705 Woodforest Blvd.
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