July 2009 - Comal ISD
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SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 1 SBMS bands win big at the Lone Star Showcase of Music The Spring Branch Middle School Varsity, Concert, and Symphonic bands competed in the Lone Star Showcase of Music on May 22 in Dallas. Both the Varsity and Concert Bands received “Superior Ratings” and a “Best in Class” Award. The SBMS Symphonic Band also received a “Superior Rating” as well as a “Best in Class” award. Additionally, the Symphonic Band was awarded “Overall Outstanding Group” at the entire contest. Adjudicators at the contest complimented the SBMS groups on their overall group sound, stage presence, attention to detail, and musicianship. This is truly a remarkable achievement for these very talented and hardworking musicians, who had to overcome being out of school unexpectedly because of the Swine Flu scare and were still able to turn in a first-rate performance. Earlier in the semester, the SBMS Symphonic Band received a “Sweepstakes” trophy at UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest. UIL was held on April 2, at Steele High School, where the SBMS Symphonic Band received a “superior-first division rating” on the Concert Stage and in the Sight Reading portion. Way to go SBMS Band for a very successful year! CHS Aristocats help “Stamp Out Hunger” Girl Power! Females capture salutatorian, valedictorian spots at CHS, SVHS It was a clean sweep for the top two academic spots this year at Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools. At CHS, Rebecca Allen and Sarah Thompson walked away with top honors as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. At SVHS, Brianna Guidorzi earned valedictorian honors while Alison Pain was named salutatorian. The two schools celebrated graduation day on May 30 at Strahan Coliseum at Texas State University in San Marcos. Nearly 400 CHS graduates walked the stage that morning, making it the largest class in school history, while 630 students graduated from SVHS, also the largest number in school history. The Canyon High Aristocats helped gather more than 700 cans of food going door-todoor in three different local neighborhoods on May 8 in the U.S. Postal Service “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign. The food drive benefited the food bank in New Braunfels. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2009 4A & 5A Rebecca Allen - CHS Valedictorian Sarah Thompson - CHS Salutatorian Brianna Guidorzi - SVHS Valedictorian Alison Pain - SVHS Salutatorian STATE CHAMPIONS CHS Cougarettes SVHS Rangers See Back Cover SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 2 2 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 3 Former SVHS salutatorian graduates from UT, heads to med school Sawyer Croley, the 2005 salutatorian at Smithson Valley High School, is making a name for himself in the scientific research community. He is a Dean’s Honored Graduate in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas. He is graduating with a cumulative 3.9 GPA as he completes a Bachelor of Science in Biology: Cell and Molecular Biology Option with Special Departmental Options. In addition to his outstanding academic record, Sawyer is being recognized for his exemplary research in analytical chemistry under the direction of Professor Keith Stevenson, who nominated Sawyer for Dean’s Honors Graduate. Sawyer is one of the original participants in the Freshman Research Initiative and worked on a project that involved the synthesis of novel catalysts associated with clean energy and environmental remediation applications. Sawyer’s talents were quickly recognized and he was selected for an elite Beckman Young Scholar Award. “Sawyer is a truly exceptional student who demonstrates tremendous potential…I consider him to be one of the top undergraduates that have passed through our research program,” said Professor Stevenson. “His research is highly regarded visit www.comalisd.org by the scientific community and his contributions in this area have been significant.” Outside the classroom Sawyer is a competitive hunter and shot the biggest whitetail deer in all of Mexico for the 2008-2009 season and won 1st place in the Mexico Division of the Los Cazadores 23rd Annual Deer Contest. This competition is widely considered the premiere whitetail deer competition in the world. In the fall Sawyer will attend medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. His parents are Jim & Karen Croley. SchooLife - July 2009 - 3 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 4 Three alumni honored as CISD Outstanding Graduates Three CISD alumni were honored with the prestigious 2009 Comal ISD Outstanding Graduate Award during the Comal Education Foundation’s Academic Recognition Banquet on May 19. The award recognizes Comal Independent School District alumni for excellence and notable achievements since graduating. This is the 11th year of the program. Each recipient received a specially designed acrylic award and a photo plaque of each honoree will hang on their schools’ Wall of Honor. in the last year alone. Her humorous and creative side also shows brightly through her Myspace page and her blog on mysanantonio.com, which has inspired thousands. She created “Kimmy’s Ladybugs,” which became the center of her fundraising efforts, and has inspired many members to participate in ALS walks, raffles and car washes to raise money. Despite the effects ALS has had on her physical life, Kimberley has never, ever stopped giving or living. The honorees are: Kimberley Faye McSpadden (SVHS ’96) had her sights set on making a difference for others. As a teen, she earned a Young Woman in Excellence Award with the Girl Scouts, the equivalent of an Eagle Scout Award, which required countless community service-project hours. McSpadden’s instincts as a young adult stayed true to the philanthropic ones practiced growing up, as she embarked on an 18-month Spanishspeaking mission in New Jersey while attending Brigham Young University-Idaho. Soon, however, Kimberley’s life took a dramatic turn, as the weakness she’d been feeling in her leg was diagnosed as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Kimberley was told by doctors that Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which attacks the nervous system, is 100-percent fatal and her life expectancy was only 3-5 years. Instead of saying her goodbyes, Kimberley decided the day she was diagnosed to do everything she could to educate the public about this life-changing disease, and to raise money to find a cure. “Kimberley decided she wasn’t going to sit around and wait to die,” said her mother, Nancigail Carroll. Now, eight years later and counting, Kimberley has raised more than $50,000 for ALS research, including $34,000 Ron Rittimann (CHS ’85) made believers out of many following his athletic career at Canyon High in the mid-1980s, and he’s continued to enjoy the same kind of success in his professional life. After being named All-District in football, basketball and baseball, as well as the best all-around male athlete in the school in 1985, Ron was also named to Canyon High’s All-Millennium team in 2000. After receiving inspiration from former Canyon High head football coach and athletic director Troy Burch, Ron began a path toward coaching soon after leaving high school. In 1991, he was hired at Madison High, where he coached football, baseball and basketball. He was named the offensive coordinator for the highly successful Mavericks’ football program in 1994, and was named assistant head coach in 1999. He was then named the firstever head football coach and athletic coordinator at Johnson High School in San Antonio when the new campus opened in August of 2008, where he impacts the lives of young people on an everyday basis. Ron is also active in the Northern Hills Church, and volunteers his time to coach both Little League and academic teams. He and his wife Patti have two children. Ron has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Southwest Texas State University. 4 - SchooLife - July 2009 Helmuth “Slick” Schlichting (CHS ’64) could have easily called it a career and drifted off into the sunset after ending a 31-year Navy career in 1994. He had already accomplished enough in life to be recognized a hero, having served his country so honorably – carrying out important jobs like commanding the USS Tuscaloosa, being deployed to the Western Pacific seven different times, and being responsible for scheduling, training and deployment of the Naval Surface Forces in the Pacific shortly before his retirement. What Helmuth did instead after retiring was to find way to positively impact the youth in the New Braunfels community. He joined the staff at Canyon High, where he has been a math teacher since 2000. He also was the coordinator of Comal ISD’s GED program for 10 years, beginning in 1994. If that’s not enough to prove Helmuth isn’t afraid of hard work, he also drove a Comal ISD bus from 1994-2008. Helmuth credited former Canyon High teacher David Gyure and counselor Robert Tays as two people who helped instill dedication and a strong work ethic in all he pursues in life. Helmuth’s particular passion is to work with high-risk youth, and his goal is to see each student he works with become educated and employed. Helmuth is married to Patricia. He Comal ISD’s 2009 Outstanding Graduates who were honored during the Comal Education Foundation’s Annual Academic Recognition Banquet are (from left) Ron Rittimann, Kimberley Faye McSpadden, and Helmuth “Slick” Schlichting. has two children and two stepchildren. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwest Texas State University and a master’s degree in business administration from National University in San Diego. Coming in the August issue of SchooLife: Get Back-To-School Information Registration Dates/Info/School Supply Lists Walk-in Immunization Clinics/Requirements or visit www.comalisd.org Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 5 Hammond gets into character Comal County Honor Band members Mountain Valley Middle principal Scott Hammond shows he’s not afraid to get into “Marzano’s Mosh Pit” while presenting a classroom session with Kristi Kahil during Comal ISD’s two-day staff development in early June. Staff members heard keynote speakers at the Tree of Life Church in New Braunfels during the morning, before attending breakout sessions in the afternoon. The theme of the staff development was “Feel the Rhythm,” and speakers and sessions stressed relationships, rigor and relevance in the classroom. Oliver takes 7th in state in UIL competition Congratulations to Smithson Valley High School University Interscholastic League Academic Champion Kayla Oliver who took 7th place in state in spelling and vocabulary. Oliver competed last in the State UIL Meet at the University of Texas at Austin. At the regional level this year she was touted as having the most “Tie-Breakers” during student academic event competitions in recent years. Kayla was the only student to receive a remarkable perfect “Tie-Breaker Score.” Congratulations also to UIL spelling & vocabulary coach and SVHS teacher Judy Barbee for her outstanding contributions to SVHS academic excellence. Twenty-four Church Hill Middle School band students auditioned for the first Comal County Honor Band. Eighteen CHMS musicians qualified for this special band. These band students are under the direction of Marc Lumley and Fredy Solis. Market masters at CHS Who says the market is down? Congratulations are in order for these seniors in Beth Polk’s economics classes at Canyon High. Groups from CHS took first, second and third place out of 469 teams competing in the grades 9-12 division of the San Antonio Stock Market Game Program. Each student received a cash prize and a certificate, and Polk was presented with a plaque. The team of visit www.comalisd.org Ryan Baeten, Chris Holcomb, Travis Kiers and Derek Schonoff won first place and $75, the team of Brittney Pannell, Ashley McCann, Blake Platts, Matt Rauch and Josh Custard won second place and $50, and the team of Desiree Ortigoza, Javier Castilleja, Juan DeSantiago, Juan Arreguin and Desting Preito won third place and $25. SchooLife - July 2009 - 5 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 6 Thanks for your Baylor, Fox to attend service, Dan Krueger! Harvard Leadership Institute Only 100 principals across the state of Texas are selected each year to attend the Harvard Leadership Institute, and two of them are from right here in the Comal ISD! Both Church Hill Middle principal Dani Baylor and Rahe Bulverde Elementary principal Merrie Fox received this prestigious honor. They will attend the Institute through a sponsorship from “Raise Your Hand Texas,” a non-profit organization that focuses on issues affecting Texas Public Schools. At Harvard, Fox will attend the “Improving Schools: the Art of Leadership Institute” from June 29-July 7. Baylor will attend “The National Institute for Urban School Leaders” from July 19-24. Dani Baylor Merrie Fox Elementary school coming to Garden Ridge Dan Krueger was recently recognized for 15 outstanding years of service on the Comal ISD School Board. Dan has also served on the Board of Directors of the Comal Education Foundation. Here, Krueger is pictured with wife Becky and daughter Kirby at the May School Board Meeting. The Comal ISD had beautiful weather for the groundbreaking of its newest campus, Garden Ridge Elementary, on May 21. Here, students from Comal Elementary that will attend Garden Ridge Elementary break ground at the new school, which is located at FM 3009 and Municipal Pkwy, across from City Hall. Students included: Emma Falcone, Travis Zipp, Darren Zipp, Trevor Wong, Roland Olvera, Michael Martin, Ellie Carlile-Washington and Joshua Houst. The elementary school is the first of three that will be built with funds provided through the $205.85 million Bond 2008. It is scheduled to open in August 2010. Recognition for retiring district employees Deep appreciation goes out to the Comal ISD employees who retired this past school year. Some of them were present for a recognition dinner in late May. Pictured here (l-r) are Debra Fisher, Joyce Alblinger, Manie Mann, Ron Hixon, Susan Schmidt, Charlene Wunderlich, Diane Winkelmann, and Hope Monceaux. Other retirees on hand for the recognition dinner were Larry Hooker, Roy Hargrove, James Kasch, Susan Harrison, Ralph Behrend, Jan Kingsbury, Kenny Rotzler, Heidi O’Keefe, and Nancy Lindley. Publisher.....Bill Holland Editor.....Wendy M. Holland Designer.....John Rodriguez Comal ISD Communications Director.....Kari Hutchison SchooLife is published in partnership with the Comal Independent School District. The monthly publication, which focuses on Comal ISD students, staff and community, is designed to increase communication between district schools and parents. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the district or its officials. Comal Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability in providing education services, activities or programs. It is the intent and policy of this District to conduct its activities in compliance with all Federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin or disability. E-mail photos and stories to: [email protected] or [email protected] For advertising rates and information, contact Bill Holland at 210-478-9014 The deadline is the 10th of each month for information to be included in the following month’s publication. SchooLife is published the first of each month and is available FREE to parents of students attending schools in the Comal Independent School District. A complimentary copy of the paper is sent home the beginning of each month in the backpacks of students in grades K-8. Additional copies are available in school offices and various locations throughout the communities. All creative concepts, designs, and layout for all advertisements are the sole property of SchooLife and may not be reproduced in any other publication without prior approval. Advertising/Sales Kathy Smith (210) 601-4836 [email protected] P.O. Box 436 Bulverde, TX 78163 Ph: (210) 478-9014 [email protected] GradeSpeed Parent Connection. Visit www.comalisd.org 6 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 7 School Board Briefs The following are highlights from the Comal ISD May 14 school board meeting. They are not written to replace official minutes. School Board Election Update Votes from the May 10 school board election were canvassed by the school board. At the regular monthly meeting on May 28th, Carolyn Miller, Carol Keller, and David Drastata were each sworn in for three year terms. Construction News Action on the construction contract for the Canyon Lake HS agriculture facility funded through Bond 2008 was postponed until May 28th. The facility will be ready for the students in the fall. The majority of the board approved a $12.9 million guaranteed maximum price for the construction of the new elementary school in Avery Park, officially called Clear Spring Elementary. Ground has been broken on the school and it will open in August 2010. New School Names After much discussion and consideration of the school name committees’ recommendations, the school board approved the following names for two new elementary schools: Garden Ridge Elementary School: Opening in August 2010 at FM 3009 and Municipal Parkway in Garden Ridge; and, Clear Spring Elementary School: Opening in August 2010 in the Avery Park subdivision off of Hwy 46 East outside New Braunfels. 2009-10 Budget Update Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent, updated the school board on proposed pay raises for employees. As the budget looks now, he is proposing pay increases for all employees in 200910. Final details are pending. In addition, employees who worked in Comal ISD for at least 90 days this school year, and who return in 200910, will receive a retention bonus. And, because of employees’ sound fiscal management of their health claims in 2007-08, employees who had health insurance then, and in 2008-09, and who return in 2009-10, will receive a health insurance rebate of approximately $900. Pay raises and other details will be worked out during the budget process in the weeks ahead. The following are highlights from the Comal ISD May 28 school board meeting. They are not written to replace official minutes. Elected School Board Members Take Oath, Officers Named Re-elected school board members Carol Keller and Carolyn Miller, and newly elected member David Drastata were sworn in for threeyear terms. The new school board president is Carol Keller, Frank Baker remains as vice president, Carolyn Miller is the new secretary, and Donna Holmes is the treasurer. Bill Swint will serve as immediate past president. Board Recognizes Students The board recognized numerous students who qualified for state and national competitions this school year. In addition, Dan Krueger, outgoing school board member, was recognized for his 15 years of service to the district. Board of Trustees Calendar The board adopted a meeting calendar covering 13 months through July 2010. The calendar is posted at www.comalisd.org/About_Us/Board_Of_Trustees_Information.asp Increase in Meal Prices To help offset rising costs, the board approved a $0.05 increase for school breakfast meals and a $.10 increase for school lunch meals for school years 2009-10. The new prices are as follows — elementary lunch, $2.20; secondary lunch, $2.45. All breakfast meals will cost $1.30. Ground Lease Agreement with BSBVFD at SBMS The board agreed to negotiate with the Bulverde Spring Branch Volunteer Fire Department on 1.5 acres located on the northwest corner of the Spring Branch Middle property that they wish to lease. The BSBVFD is proposing a long-term lease and anticipates it will be approximately three years before a new fire station will be built. Graduation and Class Ranking Policy After a long discussion and feedback from several parents, the school board voted 4 to 3 to disapprove board policy EIC (Local) as presented. The policy addresses class ranking, extra points, and other graduation issues. This was the accompanying policy that contained the action taken by the school board at its April board meeting when it unanimously approved two new class ranking scales (Dan Krueger was absent) involving AP, Dual Credit, Pre-AP, and general education classes. One scale was for current high school students and the second was for incoming freshmen and all future classes and included the approved change that pre-AP courses would no longer be weighted. The school board did not approve the policy, however, that supports the action taken in April. Smithson Valley High expansion project, which is funded through Bond 2008. Phase 2 includes major renovations to “A” wing, and renovations to athletic facilities, including the field house, practice areas, locker rooms and the softball field parking area. The entire project, to include a Phase 3, should be completed in 2011. Construction Updates The board agreed to accept CA Landry Partners’ proposal to build an agricultural facility at Canyon Lake High for $594,200. The project will be funded through Bond 2008 and will be finished this fall. The board agreed to accept Merrell General’s contracting price of $246,650 to add air conditioning to the gym at Specht Elementary. It is funded by Bond 2008. Comal ISD approved a contract with Wastewater Tech to replace the existing wastewater disposal system at Spring Branch Middle. This project is funded out of Bond 2008 with a budget of $700,000. The board voted to approve Bartlett Cocke Construction’s guaranteed maximum price of $13.8 million for the second phase of the Other Bond 2005 and 2008 Construction Updates All of the remaining Bond 2005 and Bond 2008 projects are on schedule. Oak Creek and Johnson Ranch elementary schools open in August. Next year, in August 2010, Garden Ridge and Clear Spring elementary schools will open. Rahe Bulverde Elementary School’s total makeover is going well and is expected to be completed by early 2010. Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools’ projects are on schedule. The Canyon Middle expansion drawings are complete and bids have just come in. Spring Branch Middle’s drawings are in progress and the project will be ready for bid in July. Bond information can be found at www.comalisd.org/Growth/Bond_2008_Status.asp or www.comalisd.org/Growth/Bond_2005_Status.asp. New board members take oath of office Two current and one new Comal ISD Board of Trustee members were sworn in during the May school board meeting. (L-r) Secretary Carolyn Miller, board president Carol K. Keller and newly elected trustee David Dastrata are seen here taking the oath of office. School Board Meeting Calendar July 15, 2009 Wednesday Support Services Board Meeting Aug. 11, 2009 Tuesday Support Services Board Workshop/Budget Aug. 27, 2009 Thursday Support Services Board Meeting All meetings begin at 6:00 PM. During the audience participation portion of each regular meeting, the public may address the Board on any subject not posted on the agenda, provided they have followed the proper procedures. “Caring for pets is what we do; it’s as simple as that. In fact, I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. I think it comes through in the care we give.” Kirk S. Kothmann, DVM Offering A Wide Range Of Services For Your Pet: • Vaccinations • Dentistry • Spay/Neuter • Geriatrics • Nutrition • General Surgery • Pharmacy • Boarding • Grooming • In-House Lab & X-Rays • Flea Control 830-438-7200 29760 U.S. Hwy. 281 N. • Bulverde www.bulverdeanimalhospital.com visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 7 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 8 “Fantastic Four” make graduation history at Canyon Lake High By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. podium about each individual graduate before the group walked across the stage. Nabors said Skruhak was creative with a strong sense of self, Parker was a hard worker who always had a smile on her face, Holleck was wise beyond her years, and Horton always had a clear sense about what he wanted to accomplish. “We can’t say enough about how extremely proud we are of these students,” CHLS principal Cheryl Koury said. “It seems like just yesterday we were opening the doors of this school and now we have graduates. As you can see, it’s hard for me to stop smiling. I can’t wait until next year when we have a full class.” Parker said it was a good feeling walking around campus the last few When Amanda Hollek, Sinjin Horton, Jamie Parker and Tiffany Skruhak entered Canyon Lake High when it opened in the fall of 2007, the quartet didn’t intend to make school history. That’s exactly what they did on May 27, however, as the small group became the firstever graduates at CLHS, managing to complete their required coursework in only three years of high school. The “Fantastic Four” as some dubbed them, had their own unique, private graduation ceremony held alongside their family, admiring CLHS students and teachers, and proud district and school administrators. Canyon Lake High won’t have a full class of seniors until next school year. “I don’t think any of us were trying to do anything out of the ordinary,” said Holleck, who took a few summer school classes along the way to gain extra credits. “When I realized I had the chance to graduate in three years, I figured I might as well give it a shot. It’s pretty cool we were part of such a special group – not many students get to be the first to graduate in a school.” So personalized was the graduation ceremony held in the school’s auditorium that Comal ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Walker proudly counselor Susan Nabors was shakes the hand of Amanda Holleck, the first-ever stuable to say something at the dent to walk the stage as a Canyon Lake High graduate. 8 - SchooLife - July 2009 weeks knowing she was going to graduate. “I think we were setting an example for next year’s seniors,” said Parker, who will attend Stephen F. Austin University in the fall. “We had a lot of people in the school congratulate us the more everyone heard about what we were doing.” Canyon Lake High junior Shauna Miller was definitely impressed with the graduates. “What they accomplished is pretty awesome,” Miller said. “Oh my gosh, they worked so hard. One of them is my really good friend, and she was always cracking the books. I think they were an inspiration to a lot of other students on campus.” Canyon Lake High, which won’t have a full class of seniors until next school year, had four early graduates that were honored at a ceremony on May 27. (From left) Amanda Hollek, Sinjin Horton, Jamie Parker and Tiffany Skruhak accomplished the impressive feat of graduating in three years. An auditorium full of students, friends and family, as well as school and district administrators and school board members, were on hand to make this a very special night. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 9 Happy graduates all around Memorial High kicked off Comal ISD’s 2008-09 “Graduation Week” on May 26. Fortysix students walked across the stage at the New Braunfels Civic Center and overall, 56 students graduated this school year from this self-paced campus. Below, left: Student Jenna Cooper is all smiles after the graduation ceremony. At left: Canyon High senior Maranda Farber shows off a big smile after receiving her diploma from Comal ISD School Board member Donna Holmes during graduation ceremonies May 30 at Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos. Below, right: Smithson Valley High graduate Lovely Lawrence can’t contain her smile shortly after walking the stage to receive her diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony on May 30. AR winners earn royal treatment at FES To award students’ success in A.R. all year, Freiheit Elementary librarian Betty Jones came up with a character named “Amelia Nair” (a wealthy lady who is president of “The Millionaires’ Club”). All year long, she announced classes who joined her club by reading a million words while taking AR tests....then prizes were awarded for each additional million words read. There was one 4th-grade class whose students collectively read more than 17 million words this school year!! (This is quite an accomplishment since the next highest are 2 fifth-grade classes who each reached 9 million.) In addition, there were 14 students who are distinguished members of “The Millionaires’ Club,” since they each read at least a million words individually! These students were awarded with a limo ride with Amelia Nair on May 22 to receive free ice cream at McDonald’s. They were wearing Tshirts that asked “So You Want to Be a Millionaire?” on the front of the shirt and “Ask Me How” on the back. Here, (left to right) students Andrea Miller, Megan Reynolds, Ryan Applegate, Jeffrey Malone, Austin Miller, Juan Jose Ramirez, and Jessica Rebeles, members of the “Millionaires’ Club, eagerly await their trip for free ice cream. The studentteacher bond Smithson Valley High senior Rebeca Clary poses proudly with her former teacher Steve Foster during the Comal Education Foundation’s Academic Recognition Banquet in May. The top 20 graduates from both Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools were able to select an educator that had a great impact on their lives, and both the students and teachers were honored during the banquet held at the New Braunfels Civic Center. visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 9 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 10 Smithson Valley Athletic Booster Club announces 2009 scholarship recipients The Smithson Valley High School Athletic Booster Club is proud to announce its 2009 SVABC scholarship recipients. Recipients are selected on a points system based on grade point average (GPA), athletic participation (including awards), and community service. Also, athletes must have participated in high school athletics for a total of four seasons, two of which must have been at SVHS. The SVABC is proud to recognize and award a $1,000 scholarship to each of the following Smithson Valley High School athletes: Brittney Balcar, Michael Daigle, Cameron Erhardt, Courtney Herr, Kendall Lasher, Garrett Lucas, Eric Madden, Derek Moczygemba, Michelle Reich, and Jessica Schreiber. The SVABC encourages student and community support of SVHS athletics and provides financial support not provided through the normal budgetary process. The SVABC raises money in a variety of ways: Club Membership Dues, Golf Tournaments, SV Athletic Booster Club All Sports Gala, Program Advertisements & Sales, and generous donations from our local community, parents and businesses. The success of this organization is based solely on membership participation. For more information on the Smithson Valley Athletic Booster Club, please visit www.svabc.com. SVMS students on “Who’s Who” list Reading Olympians at FES Joshua Lux poses with Olympic Gold Medal winner Josh Davis at Freiheit Elementary. Davis visited the school to hand out medals to successful students in the school’s Accelerated Reading Program during the “Closing Ceremonies.” Prom King & Queen crowned at SVHS Congratulations to these students in Mary Hoffman’s Spanish classes at Smithson Valley Middle. They made the prestigious “Who’s Who in Foreign Language” list. Smithson Valley High students Will McLane and Audrey Raley were named 2009 Prom King and Queen. Congratulations! Photo by Sam Roberts ®® 830.438.8971 18670C Hwy, 46 Pkwy Spring Branch, TX 78070 210-566-4511 3820 FM 3009 #140 Schertz, TX 78154 830-625-5402 2351 Loop 337 Ste. C New Braunfels, TX 78130 10 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 11 Matthews to play for UIW Smithson Valley High senior Hunter Matthews is surrounded by family and SVHS head coach Jason Adkins as she signs a letter of intent to play soccer at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Photo by Sam Roberts. Photo by Sam Roberts Erhardt headed to the University of San Diego Smithson Valley High distance-runner Cameron Erhardt is surrounded by friends, family and SVHS coaches Louise Bell and Craig Wersterfer as he signs a letter of intent to continue his athletic career Photo by Sam Roberts at the University of San Diego this fall. Canyon Lake 3159 281 I-35 H 46 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 11 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 12 Comal Education Foundation celebrates 5th annual golf classic On May 29, 130 golfers gathered at the River Crossing Golf Club to help the Comal Education Foundation celebrate “Great Golf for a Great Cause.” In its fifth year, the Foundation’s Annual Golf Classic, presented by SHW Group, raised over $47,000 to support the innovative educational programs that promote excellence, and help the Foundation accomplish its mission and vision to “Enrich. Expand. Excel.” the educational experience in Comal ISD. The day began with a fajita buffet lunch. Golfers enjoyed going to their golf carts to find a light blue golf shirt and goody bag waiting for them. At the conclusion of the day golfers enjoyed a reception and a door prize drawing featuring great prizes donated from the following companies: Fugro, Combs Consulting Group, Hendrix Consulting Engineers, Ace Communications, Air Craft Mechanical, Texas Equipment Solutions, Mannington Commercial, JMK Foodservice Consulting and Design LLC, Baird Williams Construction, DBR Engineering, and Fibrebond Corporation. Winners of the A and B flights received MasterCard gift cards, sponsored in part by Gil Engineering. Flight A winners were: Allen Hickman team, Law Offices of R. David Fritsche team, and GVTC team. Flight B winners were: JD Kunz Concrete team, Walsh, Anderson, Brown, Aldridge & Gallegos, PC team, and HEB team. The day concluded with a raffle drawing for these great prizes: Nike Driver Set, Taylor Made Irons Set, and a Toshiba laptop computer donated by Baird Williams Construction; and 2 round trip tickets on Southwest donated by Southwest Airlines. The following golfers won prizes for the straightest drive- Craig Harris, longest drive- Alex Ladage, longest putt made- Jason Gordon, and putting contestRon Stacy. The following companies and individuals sponsored teams for the tournament: Allen Hickman; Baird Williams Construction, Ltd.; Bartlett Cocke General Contractors; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas; Bradfield Properties- BK Buske; FT Woods Construction Services; Fugro Consultants, L.P.; GVTC; Hendrix Consulting Engineers; HEB; Herff JonesThe Overall Graduation Office; Hunter Industries; JD Kunz Concrete; KONE Elevator; Law Offices Of R. David Fritsche; Moore Erection, L.P.; Pfluger Associates Architects; Randolph Brooks FCU; Riata Financial Services, Inc.; River Crossing Divot Divas; SAMCO Capital Markets; SHW; Southerland Communities; Texas Intrepid Ventures; Urban Concrete Contractors; Walsh, Anderson, Brown, Aldridge & Gallegos, PC; and Worldwide Pest Control. Plans are underway for the 6th Annual Golf Classic presented by SHW Group on Friday, April 23, 2010 at River Crossing Club. To reserve your team, call 830-214-5010. Coming in the August issue of SchooLife: SHW Group sponsored the Comal Education Foundation’s golf tournament at River Crossing Golf Club, which helped raise more than $47,000. Pictured are (from left) SHW Group’s Tom Oehler, Comal ISD Superintendent Dr. Warc Walker, SHW Group’s Walter Estay and Fiber Bond’s Todd Walker. Randy Bade tees off on the short par-3 No. 2 hole on a beautiful day at River Crossing Golf Club during the Comal Education Foundation’s golf tournament on May 29. The “B-Flight” champions during the Comal Education Foundation’s golf tournament were Randy Bade, Joey Carrizales, J.D. Kunz and John Kunz. Get Back-To-School Information Registration Dates/Info/School Supply Lists Walk-in Immunization Clinics/Requirements Whitening Special $99 tttt or visit www.comalisd.org Cosmetic Dentistry Sedation Dentistry Invisalign Braces Extended Hours Dr. Guy Peterson 12 - SchooLife - July 2009 Allen Hickman’s team consisting of (l-r) Jason Gordon, Hickman, Alex Ladage and Bill Baker captured the “A-Flight” championship in the Comal Education Foundation tournament after firing a round of 56 at River Crossing Club. Enjoy quality dental care in a friendly, relaxed Hill Country setting. GREG CHANDLER (830) 980-2869 • 2395 Bulverde Rd. #103 (830) 438-7969 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 13 Young Authors’ Celebration at CES Sabrina Brossman reads her book “Animal Facts” to her neighbor, Mary Rethman, during Comal Elementary School’s Young Author’s Celebration on May 26. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade throughout the school authored and illustrated their own books, which were then sent off to a publishing company for binding. Family members and friends were invited to the campus and were able to tour classrooms as students told their wonderful stories. SVHS Ag Sales team advances to nationals! The Smithson Valley High Ag Sales team of (l-r) Hesston Krause, Skye Broyles, Kaitlyn Craft, Madison Kelly and James Applewhite recently beat out more than 200 other high school squads to win the state title at the FFA State Convention at Sam Houston State University. They advance to national competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, in October. Canyon High top athlete awards for 2008-09 The following Canyon High athletic awards were presented during the annual Spring Sports Athletic Banquet this month. Pictured left: Canyon High seniors Michael Euresti and Lisa Bingham received the Jimmy Muenich Scholarship Track Award for excellence in track and field events. Pictured center: Canyon High senior Meredith Rogers, left, received the Ben Hardy Award for excellence in school and athletic activities. Canyon High’s 2008-09 Most Outstanding Athletes are Robert Clay and Brittani Hackfeld. Pictured right: The Canyon High seniors who received the Cougar and Cougarette Heart Awards are Tanner Luckemeyer and Katie Korioth. CISD School Board Student Recognitions CLHS junior Joshua Harris is writing a research paper on thrust vectoring that will be submitted for peer review on the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics website. He will present his report to a group of engineers, pilots and aircraft mechanics in May 2009. CLHS student Sigourney Tramont qualified for state in UIL Tech Theater. The UIL coordinator is Rhonda Riali. CLHS art student Kristin Rainosek advanced on to the state level with her piece titled “Family Guitar.” Only 182 entries out of 2,168 at the Region 13 Visual Arts Scholastic Event advanced on to state. Her teacher is Claudette Cozzi. visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 13 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 14 CISD School Board Student Recognitions Congratulations to the Canyon High Aristocats Dance Team on being named the National Champion Small Team at the Champion Dance Nationals in New York City. Megan Nebgen is the dance team instructor. For the fifth consecutive year, Canyon High School Air Force Junior ROTC has received the Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award. Kevin Cregier and Ed Garcia instruct this special group. In addition, Maj. Kevin Cregier (USAF, Ret.) was selected as one of the 2009 Outstanding Instructors for Air Force JROTC for the second straight year. Our first group of Best of State winners all won for photography categories. They are: Ryan Aust, Michael Harris, Kristen Anker, Shelby Chamberlain, Morgan Walley, Kaitlin O’Brien and Katrina Brisbin. Scott Henry won with a project in Special Effects, Emily Grams earned her honor in 2D Animation. Ian Fennell, Dakota Birchfield, Phil Stanley, Robert Montgomery won in 3D animation. Ethan Menebroker won for an entry in architecture. Teachers Scott Stoore, Vicki Stewart, Chris Nisley and Wendall Lyons are their sponsors. Brothers Matt Willis and Andrew Willis each won a Best of State Award in the Materials Division by building boats. Teacher Rodney Swann is their sponsor. The following Canyon High BPA students qualified for state competition this year: Philip Churchwell, Elizabeth Foster, Elizabeth Coffey, Olivia Hobden, Dana Ogrin, Cameron Pawelek, Isabel Saenz, Will Cavanaugh, John Coker, Ryan Franz, Cory Moczygemba, AJ Rice, and Courtney Martin. Three Canyon High students qualified for national competition: Elizabeth Coffey, Elizabeth Foster and Olivia Hobden. Renee Martinez is the BPA coordinator. The Canyon High Criminal Justice team had a very successful year. Nick Nutt, Chris Outterson, James Sanchez, Matt Maher, and Megan Knetsch all qualified for state competition. Cami Cocke finished fifth in the Law Enforcement Skills Contest. Joey Morales won first place in the Building Search Technical Test, and Lauren Johnson, Ian Wofford, and Kassandra Leal were the first place Crime Scene Investigation Team. The Crime Scene Investigation team will be heading to Nationals in June. Steve Parker is the criminal justice coordinator. 14 - SchooLife - July 2009 Church Hill Middle students Lauren Johnson, Justin Proctor and Travis Whitney, and Canyon Middle student Heather Hall qualified for State Recognition based on their scores on the SAT or ACT as part of the 2009 Duke University 7th Grade Talent Search. The following Canyon High students’ automotive projects went to the SkillsUSA State contest: James Gonzalez, Joshua Hodges, Irving Aleman, Paul Gomez, Robert Hansmann, Jeremy Helmke, Wesley Hode, Marcus Salinas, Steven Sanchez, Holden Bradshaw, Samuel Hoffmann, Robert Olivo, Cesar Ramirez, James Robles, and Sinbad Torres. In addition, James Robles and Joshua Hodges went to the Ford/AAA State Contest. Wayne Kennedy is the automotive contest coordinator. The following students qualified for the middle school State Science Fair: Smithson Valley Middle’s Charlie Cevallos, Emmett Donnelly and Emily Schmalstieg; Church Hill Middle’s Luke Pickerill and Dakota Carley; Mountain Valley Middle’s Maddie Holder and Fran Carle (Team); Canyon Middle’s Lauren Boyd, Cody Krampitz, Ritt Givens, Kathleen Kinlin and Lauren Jack (Team), Erin True and Danielle Martinez; Spring Branch Middle’s Rachel White, Ivan Sarran, and Joshua Lake. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 15 CISD School Board Student Recognitions Canyon High senior Casey Pernsteiner was named a National Merit Finalist and Hailey Batterton and Rebecca Allen were named Commended Students in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Canyon High seniors Monica Quintanilla and Andrea Stanfill were recognized by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. Pernsteiner also qualified for the UIL state spelling competition. Four Canyon High choir members, under the direction of Susan Bartos, qualified for the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. They are: Michael Kinney, LaVetta Keith, Maegan Fretwell and Julia Lewis. Twenty-seven Canyon High band members, under the direction of Walter Sparkman, qualified for the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest: Ivan Perez, Sharris Vader, Tanner Wilson, John Coker, Austin Curtis, Tyler Davidson, Andrew Dionne, Peter Dionne, Paulina Gil, Ryan Hall, Adam Hallmark, Caitlyn Hanson, Rachel Hayward, Devin Jackson, Ryan Kinlin, Aissa Maese, Brooke Meissner, Marissa Molina, Magen Patterson, Ivan Perez, Sarah Schwab, Ashley Smith, Travis Smith, Tanner Thomas, Sam Tovar, Hilary Troyer, and Loriann Whitman. In addition, Julia Lewis, Danny Holguin and Ivan Perez qualified for the Class 4A All-State Band. Three Canyon High twirlers, Haylee Baeten, Samantha Turner and Allison Hatfield qualified for the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. Lisa Bingham qualified for the state track and field meet in the high jump, and Susan Marsh qualified in the 800meter run. Glenn Gamez is the track coach. Meredith Rogers, Shelby Becka, Kymber Drake and Robert Clay qualified for state in powerlifting. John Mitchell is the powerlifting coach. Elizabeth Lewis and Scott Jonsson qualified for UIL the swim meet. Kim Torres is the swim coach. Smithson Valley High senior Rebekah Kreiger, under the direction of Gordon Ivers, was named to the prestigious Class 5A All-State Choir team. SVHS senior Abel Alvarado was selected to play in the prestigious US Army AllAmerican game band. Jeff Lightsey is the band director. Canyon Lake High juniors Michelle Roberts and Dylan Janak were named to the All-State band for the second straight year. Mark Watley is the band director. Specht Elementary students Danielle Badiola, Nicholas Hamrick, Mason Walter, Angelo Badiola, and Thomas Cevallos, Timberwood Park Elementary student Jessenia Enriquez, and Rahe Bulverde Elementary student Ruby Smola captured the state chess club title this year. The Smithson Valley High FFA Junior Skills Team finished 3rd at the state contest out of 194 teams, and the Senior Skills Team finished 5th out of 261 teams in December. The junior team members are Harleigh Hill, Taylor Walker, and Caitlin Simmons, and the senior team members are Josh Sims, Kaitlyn Craft, and Hesston Krause. The SVHS FFA Meats Evaluation team of Shelby Martin, Keri Gillit, Josh Sims and Clayton Krause, and the Ag. Sales team of James Applewhite, Madison Kelly, Hesston Krause, Kaitlyn Craft and Skye Broyles qualified for state competition this spring. Wayne Dietert is the FFA coordinator. SVHS seniors Kevin Krumm and Ryan Howard won first place Network Design Team at the BPA State Conference in Austin. One of the judges made a point of talking to them after they won and told them that they had a great chance of winning at Nationals in May. Janice Balmos is the BPA coordinator. visit www.comalisd.org The following SVHS FCCLA team members finished in the top six at regionals and advanced to the state meet in Corpus Christi: The SVHS Culinary Team placed first out of 43 teams across the region. The first-place culinary students were Jessica Enriquez, Rosalina Gomez, and Miguel Anaya. Another first-place winner was Elise Massey in the Job Interview Event. Audrey Raley took second and Lauren Knuffke finished fifth. In the Fashion Design event, first place went to Stacey Gonzales with Hailey Garcia taking sixth place. Hannah James placed third in Recycle and Redesign. Michelle Reininger took first place in Interior Design, while Ashlyn Holt finished third and Tori Benevides finished in sixth place. Ashley Dicks and Krista Pruske took sixth place in the Life Event Planning category. The Teach and Train event, which is new to the State this year, had several Ready, Set, Teach students place. Jordan Wimberley finished in second place, Molly Jacobs was third, Abi Wood was fourth and Jessa Stone was fifth. Gracie Hendrix placed third in the Entrepreneurship Event. Ann Massey is the FCCLA coordinator. SchooLife - July 2009 - 15 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 16 CISD School Board Student Recognitions SVHS Volleyball player Paige Hamilton made the All-State Class 5A Team; Chelsea Gibson was named to the Academic All State Volleyball Team; and, Lydia Werchan was named a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star and played for the West Team. Lisa Gombert is the volleyball coach. Jessica Compere earned Academic All-State honors from the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association. Thomas Petmecky is the athletic trainer. SVHS had several senior girls in Cross Country that were named Academic AllState: Amy Anderson, Jessica Schreiber, and Courtney Herr. Louise Bell is the Cross Country coach. CLHS’ Emerald Dancers team, under the direction of Suzanne Schule, won the Small Varsity National Championship Marching Auxiliaries National Dance Competition in Fort Worth in March. The Emerald Dancers are Ashley Jones, Chelsea Kincaid, Amanda Braden, Shelby Meyer, Kira Lowery, Kayla Ward, Ashley Graham, Lorin Craft, Shellby Opperman, Julianna Reel and Marissa Herrera. Schule names Texas park Smithson Valley High seniors Joseph Acevedo, Rosanne Canfield, Rebeca Clary and Skylar Garcia were recognized by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. Fellow SVHS senior Markia Douglas was recognized by the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which has provided recognition for outstanding African-American high school students since 1964. Smithson Valley High seniors Noah Abolafia-Rozenweig, Tori Barnes, Alison Pain and Zan Walker were named Commended Students in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. Smithson Valley Middle students Greta Dellinger, Oliver Fitch, Amber Thompson, and Briana Zamora and Spring Branch Middle students Skyler Howell and Taylor Senn qualified for State Recognition based on their scores on the SAT or ACT as part of the 2009 Duke University 7th Grade Talent Search. Smithson Valley Middle student Katherine Schule won a contest to name a historical park in West Columbia, Texas. Her entry “A Walk Through the Birth of Texas,” beat out students from around the state. Schule is seen here at the park’s dedication. Thanks to a revolutionary product from Bayer, we’re liquidating fire ants by the thousands. Everything from workers to queens must go. Just one application will get rid of fire ants for an entire year. We bet by the end of the year you’ll agree you have never seen a deal work quite like this. Soon you’ll be rid of fire ants once and for all because when they’re gone, they’re gone! 16 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 17 Canyon High athlete signs with Texas State CHS AFJROTC Earns Distinguished Award Lisa Bingham, a standout Canyon High School athlete in volleyball and track, has signed her letter of intent to run track, specifically the heptathlon, at Texas State University in San Marcos this fall. She was joined by her parents, Kurt and Sara Hintze, and CHS athletic coordinator Les Davis, back left, and track coach Glenn Gamez during the signing ceremony. District students display G/T skills Rahe Bulverde Elementary fourth-grade student Lauren Williams shows off a real black-tip reef shark for an independent study project she recently completed. It was on display during the Comal ISD G/T Showcase on May 20 at Mountain Valley Middle. Students in all grade levels from across the district participated. visit www.comalisd.org Spring Branch Middle student Joshua Lake poses in front of his project at the Comal ISD G/T Showcase held at Mountain Valley Middle. It is a design of a school he would like to see built in Afghanistan using resources common to the region. For the fifth consecutive year, Canyon High School Air Force Junior ROTC has received the Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award. The CHS Corps of Cadets are one of only 393 units in 2008-09 to have earned this prestigious award. The award recognizes Air Force Junior ROTC units that have performed above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force Junior ROTC mission of producing better citizens for America. The objectives of the Junior ROTC program are to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship and life skills; promote community service; instill responsibility, character, and self-discipline through character education; and to provide instruction in air and space fundamentals. Enrollment is open to all young people who are in the 9th grade or higher, are physically fit, and are citizens or nationals of the United States. “I am proud of our cadets and instructors,” said Canyon High principal Brad Brown. “Their service to the school and community has been outstanding.” Teacher Major Kevin Cregier (USAF Ret.) and teacher MSgt Edward A. Garcia (USAF Ret.) are the two Canyon High Air Force JROTC instructors. Canyon High teacher Major Kevin Cregier (USAF Ret.) poses with student, Cadet 1st Lt. Shineese Martinez, Group Commander, as they accept the CHS AFJROTC Distinguished Unit Award at the May Comal ISD School Board meeting. “This award belongs to the cadets for their hard work and dedication,” said Cregier. Air Force Junior ROTC is located in 879 high schools across the United States and at selected schools in Europe, in the Pacific and Puerto Rico. Junior ROTC enrollment includes more than 102,000 cadets. For more information contact the Air Force Junior ROTC department at (830) 221-2447 or 221-2407. SchooLife - July 2009 - 17 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 18 CEF awards nearly $45,000 in classroom grants The 11th Prize Posse from the Comal Education Foundation was busy on Tuesday, March 31. A great surprise coming back from Spring Break, the Foundation awarded 13 grants totaling $44,386. The grants reach 15 different campuses in the Comal ISD. “We are always impressed with the commitment and dedication of the teacher in the school district. It is our pleasure to help them engage students in learning through the Teacher Excellence Grants,” said Julie Garcia, the Foundation’s Grant Committee Chair. Since 2001, the Foundation has awarded 145 Teacher Excellence Grants totaling $484,372. The Comal Education Foundation began its signature program of Teacher Excellence Grants in the Spring of 2002. Grants are awarded to classroom teachers for innovative and creative learning projects that are above the normal operating budget. The grants that were handed out will be implemented during the 2009-2010 school year. Below is the list of grants that were presented during the Prize Posse. (Note: The other eight grant presentations were featured in previous issues of SchooLife.) Smithson Valley High School Making Science Click with Math ($4,650) Teachers: Kathy Wilson, Carl Arbogast and Ann Alexander Taking “clickers” to the next level, will help student incorporate physics, chemistry and astronomy into math. The enhanced student response systems allow for numbers to be entered for free response questions where numbers are required to complete calculations. Smithson Valley Middle School Increasing Fitness with GeoMotion ($4,915) Teachers: Tracie Hammond, Amanda Custy, Wayne Rushing, Brad Biesenbach, et al. GeoMotion is a hip and happening way to get in shape. Incorporating physical benefits, with math, health, science and music curriculums will benefit all students. Students will have fun and be asking for more. Timberwood Park Elementary School Discovering a Lifetime of Enjoyment with Disc Golf ($2,449) Teachers: Summer Gault, Kathlyn Gordon and Dr. Sean Maika Disc golf is a fun, outdoor sport that engages children’s minds and bodies. The Educational Disc Golf Experience (EDGE) is a program developed for schools that incorporates physical education, with math and science concepts. Disc golf will become part of our family nights, as we encourage families to play together. Elementary Schools—Bill Brown, Goodwin Frazier, Morningside, Rebecca Creek, Startzville, and Timberwood Park The Nintendo Wii: Benefitting Children with Special Needs ($685) Teacher: Andria Nittinger Special needs students have a diversity of physical needs, and keeping them engaged in physical activities is important to their well being. Special needs students will use the Wii to improve coordination skills, sequencing skills, spatial awareness, balance and more while having fun. Startzville Elementary School The World at My Finger Tips ($3,680) Teachers: Laura Mendez, Mary Silvers, Theresa Ricker, and Jenny Wahlstrom Students learn best through direct experiences. Through the use of iPod Touch devices, students will use technology to access the world in a controlled and safe environment. Student will learn how to use a handheld computer , learn about digital etiquette including protocol for accessing information and what not to share about themselves. 18 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 19 An Olympic-sized reading reward Former Olympic swimming gold medalist Josh Davis visited Comal Elementary in late May and handed out medals to the school’s champion readers. Here are CES’ fifth-grade medal winners. Front Row: (l-r) Kirsten Payne, Jacqueline Johnson, Erin Hunter, and Kayla Cochran. Back Row: Jack Stinger, Erika Emmons, and Taylor Boyd. First State Bank sponsors writing contest Two Comal Elementary students were recently selected by First State Bank as winners in a writing contest. Carolina Norton and Jacqueline Johnson wrote about “What They Liked Best about New Braunfels.” Two students were chosen from each district, Comal and New Braunfels ISDs. Pictured here with the award-winners is Gavin Lynch, president of the bank. Eighth-grade athletes at MVMS Isaac Pruna and Lilimae Daily were named 8th-grade all-around athletes at Mountain Valley Middle School for the 2008-2009 school year. Keep up the good work, Hawk athletes! visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 19 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 20 Afterschool program benefits from JCPenney donation MHS students quilt for a cause Cindy Moore from Memorial High School presents 21 baby quilts in a variety of colors and themes to Crystal Moon at the Options for Women, a crisis pregnancy center. The quilts were made by her students as a project for the 2008-09 school year. This brings the number of baby quilts and lap quilts made by her classes as donations over the last few years to almost 100! Putting his skills to good use The Comal ISD 4-H Afterschool Program was the proud recipient of a $5,000 donation from JCPenney. Pictured (left to right) are Karla M. Friesenhahn, County Extension Agent-4-H & Youth Development, JCPenney manager Roxie Perez, Freiheit Elementary students Aden Supak, Emma Ransom, Justice Becka, Emily Miller, Austin Supak and Austin Miller, and CISD Community Education Project Managers Charlotte Muniz and Matt Walker. Learning to ride safely Morningside Elementary School held its first bicycle rodeo this spring, with the help of the Pilot Club of Canyon Lake. Eighty-three children in kindergarten through third grade tested their riding skills through a confidence course. MES staff, parents, and Communities in Schools personnel kept score and guided the students to each event. Pilot Club members reminded the students to wear their helmets, while New Braunfels police officers performed detailed safety inspections of each student’s bike. Winners in each grade level received gift certificates. The day was a great success, and a good time was had by all. 20 - SchooLife - July 2009 Bryan Hernandez, center, pictured with Ed Salinas, computer repair teacher and Canyon High principal Brad Brown, received this certificate of appreciation for his outstanding efforts in the computer repair class. He has been an asset to the community, staff, and other students with the skills he has learned at CHS in the computer repair class. He has made several service calls to local community citizens and has set up networks (wired and wireless), repaired computers, and consulted. He has showed an enormous positive attitude all year and passed this attitude off to the people he helped. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 21 2009 SVHS Summa Cum Laude Smithson Valley High School’s summa cum laude graduates: Noah Abolafia-Rosenzweig • Amira al-Qarqaz • Amy Anderson • Brittany Balcar • Tori Barnes • Kaitlyn Bernal • Rosanne Canfield • Rebeca Clary • Michael Daigle • Hallie Davis • Derek Dubois • Taryn Dykes • Megan Ecell • Skylar Garcia • Brianna Guidorzi • Justin Jimenez • Zachary Kopec • Kendall Lasher • Jeffrey Ledford • Chelsea Logsdon • Ethan Menebroker • Stephen Nesloney • Alison Pain • Ashley Parr • Audrey Raley • Shannon Samples • Elizabeth Schmitt • Jessica Schreiber • Katie Vincent • Zan Walker • Madison Wallender • Ryan Wood Photos by Sam Roberts 2009 SVHS Magna Cum Laude Smithson Valley High School’s magna cum laude graduates: Abel Alvarado • Kaitlyn Axell • Lauren Cheek • Cameron Erhardt • Tyler Flavin • Stephen Fox • Shelbie Green • Cody Herr • Courtney Herr • Rebekah Kreiger • Michelle Lewis • William Garrett Lucas • Eric Madden • Hunter Matthews • Blake Matthys • Briana McCauley • Derek Moczygemba • Maria Montemayor • Bradley Nasis • Alyssa Perryman • Christian Petitt • Michelle Reich • Austin Richardson • Molly Rupp • Geoffrey Salazar • Alex Simmons • Malinda Skinner • Jeremy Smith • Christine Thorpe • Holly Zbitowsky • Lauren Zuehl Photos by Sam Roberts 2009 SVHS Cum Laude Smithson Valley High School’s cum laude graduates: Photos by Sam Roberts visit www.comalisd.org Sean Abrams • Joseph Acevedo • Devin Baker • Keely Bearden • McKinnley Brownstone • Kati Castillo • Mackenzie Coggins • Jessica Compere • Lindsay Geiwitz • Allison Haby • Jason Heimbecker • Scott Henry • Ashlyn Holt • Brian Huynh • Phillip Ingraham • Lauren Jackson • Kimberly Jones • Victoria Keller • Travis King • Jacob Laubach • Rachelle Luehfling • Shelby Martin • Dana Monroe • Gilbert Noriega • Hannah Perry • Julia Pyle • Michelle Reininger • Robert Rios • Forrest Stovall • Bailey Watts • Christopher Wemmert • Samantha Wittie SchooLife - July 2009 - 21 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:14 PM Page 22 The 10th Annual Bulverde “Run for the Hills” smashed many records Over $17,000 was raised by 274 runners, as well as participants in the health fair and silent auction during the 10th Annual Bulverde 5K Walk/Run for the Hills event. A record-breaking 68 sponsors received a large consumer turn-out for the products and services they were promoting. The Health Fair was very popular, with key sponsor WellMed offering health screenings in its mobile unit. The San Antonio Blood and Tissue Center bus was on hand to accept blood donations. The Spring Branch/Bulverde Lions Club conducted numerous health checks, at no charge. The silent auction was the largest ever, with 49 items offered to the public. Perfect Slice Pizza entered a record-setting team of 45 runners in various age categories to win the Business Division. The race winner in the Male Division was Shane Clinger, who completed the course in 5 minutes and 38 seconds. In the Female Division, Shelby Polasek won with a winning time of 6 minutes and 45 seconds. The oldest person to complete the entire 5K course was 90-year-old Gloria Bandy. The Smithson Valley ROTC entry took top honors in the School Division. Individual winners by age category are as follows: MALE: FEMALE: Age 1-14 - William Sean Herrers - 7:35 Age 1-14 – Madison Loveday – 8:25 Age 15-19 – James Polasek - 5:47 Age 15-19 – Shelby Polasek – 6:45 Age 20-24 – Michael Zito – 6:22 Age 20-24 – Erika Castro – 11:27 Age 25-29 – Patrick Howard – 7:35 Age 25 – 29 – Megan Wenzel – 8:01 Age 30-34 – Andrew McHenry – 6:23 Age 30 – 34 – Shauna Douglas – 7:23 Age 35-39 – Shane Clinger – 5:38 Age 35 – 39 – Sheryl Fey – 7:17 Age 40-44 – Robert Welsh – 6:18 Age 40 – 44 – Christine Jenkins – 8:05 Age 45-49 – Martin Sanchez – 6:35 Age 45 – 49 – Teresa Lake – 8:15 Age 50-54 - Jeff Robin – 7:06 Age 50 – 54 – Jan Tilley – 8:43 Age 55-59 – Bruce Tilley – 8:38 Age 55 – 59 - Gail Savage – 12:22 Age 60-64 – Sony Robensen – 8:51 Age 60 – 64 – Carolyn Scott – 12:51 Age 65 – 69 – Dave Schumaker – 11:09 Age 65 – 69 – Lucy Bobik – 13.00 Age 70-74 – Theodore Wilcox – 11:08 Age 70 – 74 – Anna Mae Studney – 21:39 Age 75-79 – Emond Corley – 12:29 Age 75 – 79 – Jane Hamyin – 15:57 Age 80-99 - Arthur Owens – 15.39 Age 80 - 99 – Gloria Bandy – 24:18 The top five primary supporters of the event, WellMed, San Antonio Federal Credit Union, Brumley PEO, Bulverde Oaks Office Park and GVTC will be honored by the Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce and the Bulverde 22 - SchooLife - July 2009 GVTC golf tournament raises $65,000 for local nonprofits More than 100 golfers helped the 5th Annual GVTC Foundation Charitable Golf Classic raise money for area education, literacy and service organizations. The tournament — held May 4 at the acclaimed River Crossing Golf Club — raised $65,000 for The GVTC Foundation, the nonprofit affiliate of GVTC Communications. “The golf classic is The GVTC Foundation’s primary fundraiser, and once again it was a success,” Foundation President Ola Armstrong said. “We are pleased with the amount of money we were able to raise this year.” Since its inception, the GVTC Foundation Charitable Golf Classic has generated more than $400,000 for area nonprofit groups. Foundation funds support education, literacy, volunteer emergency services and youth and service organizations across GVTC’s 11-county, 2,000-mile service territory. About 60 GVTC volunteers helped organize and staff the event. To learn more about The GVTC Foundation, visit www.gvtcfoundation.com. About GVTC Headquartered in Smithson Valley, Texas, GVTC was formed in 1951 as a telephone cooperative for the residents of the Texas Hill Country. GVTC is now the largest telephone cooperative in the state, with more than 32,000 members, in eleven counties, across a 2,000 square mile area. GVTC also is a full-service communications company, offering high-speed Internet, digital cable TV and home security monitoring. GVTC was the first company in South Central Texas to use fiber-to-the-home technology. Broadband Properties magazine recognized GVTC as one of the Top 100 broadband providers, and the company received the Fiberto-the-Home Council’s 2008 Chairman’s Award. www.gvtc.com. www.mygvtc.com. Senior Center, co-sponsors of the event, later this summer. The exact date of the 2010 5K Walk/Run will be announced soon, but it is normally held the first Saturday in May. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:15 PM Page 23 Are you aging successfully? By Kelly Meyer, Anytime Fitness What does it mean to age successfully? My first thought when asked this question was to try and be healthy and happy. Could it really be that simple? As I found out from my mentor, Dr. Marc Lochbaum of Texas Tech University, there is more to it than that. Aging is progressive, not just one point in time. Can you be healthy and happy your entire life? This question immediately made me think of quality of life. I used to think of quality of life as cheating on your diet or going out and having a good time instead of working or studying, but it is so much more. I generally break down quality of life into two groups; general and health-related quality of life. General quality of life includes health, recreation, culture, values, beliefs, aspirations, and the financial conditions to support the essentials. Health-related quality of life reflects a personal sense of physical and mental health and the ability to react to factors in the physical and social environments. So how can you have a high quality of life and still age successfully? My top 10 for anyone to accomplish this is: 1 Finances for essentials 2 NO tobacco use 3 Healthy diet with lots of exercise 4 Minimal alcohol consumption 5 Normal body weight 6 Absence of depression 7 Warm, stable relationship 8 Social network 9 Ability to cope 10 Ability to manage stress Most people will have a majority of these items checked off, and many of these characteristics seem simple. However, there are three that have a larger effect on health than most might realize. No tobacco use, good diet combined with lots of activity, and minimal alcohol consumption should be on the top of everyone’s list if they plan to not only live a long time but be healthy as well. According to the Center for Disease Control, tobacco use is the number one cause of death in the United States. Poor diet and a lack of exercise is number two, but not far behind. Alcohol is in a distant third. If you add up all other causes of death: toxic agents, car accidents, firearms, illicit drugs, sexual behavior, and microbial agents, they don’t even come close to tobacco use and poor diets combined with lack of activity. With this evidence it makes sense why the leading cause of death in the US is heart disease followed closely by cancer. So in order to be healthy enough to be happy in the long term, don’t use tobacco, don’t drink too much, and get lots of exercise. Running a fitness club, of course I am going to say exercise is important, and if you do exercise and resistance train it’s hard to go wrong, but there is nothing more important than staying active. Not everyone can make it to the gym every day, so it is important to stay moving. It is as simple as taking a walk after a meal, playing with the kids, gardening, and just plain getting off your bum. If you can get in 30 minutes to an hour of activity in your day, you can increase muscle and bone strength, increase lean muscle that helps decrease body fat, aid in weight control, enhance physical well-being, reduce risk of heart disease, diabetes, and reduce the risk and symptoms of depression. I could talk health all day, but where my job usually ends, the other half of aging successfully begins. How do you handle the tough day-to-day grind? Do you explode with frustration when you get cut off, or yell at someone you love when they have done nothing wrong? How you handle your every day stress can have an influence on your happiness and your health. A little stress can be good, but more often than not it becomes too much. Stress can prevent you from sleeping, increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and weaken your immune system. My rule of thumb for stress is, if you are stressed for more than an hour, you need a break. My favorite break from stress is laughter, but it is hard to always have a good joke ready, so you need options. If you are too stressed to sleep and you just can’t get your brain to shut down, journaling dominates. If you can’t get thoughts out of your head, put in on paper. If Oprah says it is true then it must be. Reading can also offer a needed escape. Talking to a significant other or friend is great, but if you’re going to vent, warn them in advance or it can sound like your taking everything out on them. Listen to or play music, or just plain take some time for yourself. Most important, you have to have an outlet. As you would probably guess, mine is exercise. Hopefully this all seems simple; the hard part usually comes with situations you can’t control. You can’t always control your health, you definitely can’t control if someone is going to cut you off, but you can control the choices you make. Anytime Fitness is open 24/7. If you would like help aging more successfully, Kelly and her crew can get you off on the right foot. Give them a call at (830) 438-8971, visit the Anytime Fitness location in Spring Branch at 18670C Hwy. 46 Pkwy, or check out anytimefitness.com RANGER FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE Football Season Tickets for 2009 Smithson Valley Rangers are on sale. The week of August 10 – 13, all remaining seats in the reserved section will be up for sale on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will be sold Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8 AM and 12 PM at the fieldhouse ticket office. ALL SALES CASH ONLY. visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 23 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:15 PM Page 24 Bulverde Spring Branch Area Scholarship Foundation recipients The Bulverde Spring Branch Area Scholarship Foundation has now awarded 99 scholarships to graduating seniors that live in the old Smithson Valley High School attendance area. The 2009 recipients are, from left, Michael Daigle, Courtney Herr, Alyssa Perryman, Victoria Reynolds, Montana Moeller, Lauren Cheek, Briana Guidorzi, Megan Eccell, Katie Vincent and Ryan Wood. Graduating seniors that live in the SVHS and Canyon Lake High School attendance areas are eligible to apply, whether they go to public school, private school or are homeschooled. Applications may be obtained from the school counselor or from the Bulverde Spring Branch Library. Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings Great Clips has opened a salon in Bulverde and held a ribbon cutting with the Bulverde / Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce on May 18th. They are located at 115 Old Boerne Road, Bulverde (next to Starbucks). Great Clips provides hair cutting and styling to men and women of all ages. Owners Danny Fuller and Nancy Watson invite you to check out their services. No appointment needed! They are open 7 days a week. Call (830) 438-7006. The Hope Center Outreach and Food Pantry, established in November 2004, has opened a new office at 4476 Hwy 281 N, Ste E, Spring Branch, next door to their Thrift Store. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held May19th with the Bulverde/Spring Branch Area Chamber of Commerce. The Center serves residents of Spring Branch and Bulverde and has recently partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank. Director Pam Barquist works with many agencies to help those in need. The Thrift Store helps provide income for the Center. The Outreach Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. The Thrift Store is open Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Donations of food are accepted at the Outreach Office. Donations for the Thrift Store are accepted behind The Loft (4400 Hwy 281N) Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Contact The Hope Center at (830) 980-4673 or www.rchopeministries.com for more information. Dok-It Online, LLC has opened an office at 18534 Forty Six Parkway, Ste 1A, Spring Branch. The ribbon cutting was held on June 4th with the Bulverde/Spring Branch Chamber of Commerce. Dok-It Online, LLC, owned by Billy & Janette Johnson, is a web-based, fully secure site for maintaining an inventory of your home or business valuables and assets. Contact the office at (830) 980-3653 for more information or check the website at www.dok-itonline.com. (Attached photo is courtesy of DLW Software LLC) 24 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:15 PM Page 25 American soldier returns to Normandy for D-Day remembrance, award By: Tom Hotaling Bulverde resident Gordon K. Smith of San Antonio received the French Legion of Honor Award on June 6; the highest award given to a non-resident for his heroics on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). During his travels to Normandy, France for the 65th anniversary, he was able to enjoy receptions at both Amfreville and Gourbesville. The people of these small towns treated Smith with great respect and dignity. He was made an honorary citizen of Gourbesville in 2006. On June 6, 1944, Lt. Colonel Smith (then Maj. Smith) parachuted into Normandy with his unit, 507th P.I.R. (parachute infantry regiment). He landed outside of Fresville. He was able to gather a small group of men and proceeded to the ordered location. Carrying $50,000 with him, his mission was to establish a supply depot, using the money to buy needed supplies from the locals. Coming up to a bridge near Amfreville, he and his men were able to overtake a bridge and continue on to their objective. When the group came up to an apple orchard, Smith was shot by a hiding German sniper. The bullet pierced through his arm and stomach and exited his back, just missing vital organs. Bleeding profusely and with more Germans in pursuit, Smith ordered his men to leave him and rested underneath an apple tree. His first thoughts were the lyrics, “Don’t sit underneath the apple tree with anyone else but me,” as he thought of his young wife Martha and two-year-old daughter Sandra. To this day he tears up if he hears that song. After passing out, he later woke up in a German aid station with a German doctor standing over him. The older doctor pointed to the young soldier standing guard over Gordon and other POW’s, and said “this is the sniper who shot you.” The doctor broke open a bottle of wine and shared it with Gordon, stating that during WWI he himself was wounded in action and saved by an American doctor, vowing to return the favor if the opportunity ever presented itself. Sitting next to Gordon was a private, Robert Lewellen, who lost his hand in battle. Maj. Smith and Pr. Lewellen didn’t know each other, but Pr. Lewellen always talked about the unknown Major to his son over the years. On June 4th of this year, Private Lewellen was being made an honorary citizen of Gourbesville with his name being memorialized on a plaque next to Smith’s. Sadly, Lewellen died Monday, June 1st, 2009. Accepting the award on behalf of Lewellen was his son Randy, who met Smith for the first time. It was an unforgettable, emotional moment that will stick with me for a life- time. During my time in Normandy there were many emotional moments like this. You drive through the countryside and find more American Flags flying than you do in most American neighborhoods. The people in this region treat these veterans and their families with all the graciousness and love that is becoming of them. It is truly a humbling and moving experience that can’t help but make you realize how precious liberty and freedom are that these brave men fought and died for. Gordon Smith with R.B. Lewellen’s son, Randy Lewellen and French dignitaries at ceremony in Gourbesville, France. June 4,2009 Photos by Sam Roberts Own a business? Put retirement, succession plans in order If you own a small business, you probably laugh at the notion of a “9 to 5” workday. Unfortunately, many small-business owners work so hard, and are so focused on the “here and now”- increasing sales, controlling costs, attracting new customers, etc. - that they forget to plan for their own retirement and for the fate of their business. Don’t make those mistakes. No matter how hectic your schedule, take the time to set up a retirement plan for yourself and a succession plan for your business. Let’s consider retirement plans first. These days, small-business owners such as yourself have several good retirement plans from which to choose as well as other options that may provide even more opportunity. If your business has no employees except you (and possibly, your spouse), you can choose a SEP IRA, an “owner-only” 401(k) or an “owner-only” defined benefit plan. If you have employees, you might want to explore a SIMPLE IRA or a “Safe Harbor” 401(k). All these plans have at least two things in common. First, your earnings can potentially grow tax-deferred. Second, you can fund any of these plans with virtually any type of investment: stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit, government securities and more. You can even create a mix of investments to reflect your time horizon and risk tolerance. Beyond these similarities, though, these plans have different requirements and features, so, to find the one that’s right for you, consult with a financial advisor who is experienced in helping business owners. Once you’ve established your retirement plan, it’s time to think about succession planning. Here are a few general recommendations to keep in mind: Always know what your business is worth. Your succession plan may involve either selling the business or passing it to your heirs, so it’s essential you know the sales price or its inheritance value. Once you have this information, you can help draw up plans for selling the business or helping your family pay estate taxes. Integrate your succession plans with your estate plans. Many small-business owners just plan on leaving the business to their spouse - a move that could cut off other heirs from an inheritance. This can be particularly troublesome if all your net worth is tied up in the business - a situation you’ll want to avoid by having some outside investments, in addition to one of the retirement plans mentioned above. Include key employees in your planning. If you’d like to keep some key employees on after the business is transferred, let them know your plans while you’re still in charge. Of course, if you plan on selling your business to one of them, you’ll need to invest and organize the proceeds in such a way that they can be efficiently passed on to your family. Plan for “what if?” A good succession plan must also include plans for contingencies. To cite just one possible complication, what if you want to leave your business to an adult child, but that child dies before you? You may need to take many “what ifs” into account when you construct your plans. You invest your heart and soul into your business. To protect that investment, work with your financial, tax and legal advisors to create the appropriate retirement and succession plans. Even as busy as you are, it will be time well spent. Robert Zito, your local EdwardJones Investment Representative, has an office at 160 Creekside Park, suite 400 in Spring Branch. For more information, call him at (830) 980-1812 or email at [email protected]. Additional EdwardJones Financial Advisors: William Pringle @ 830.964.4744 and Barry L. Dodd @ 830.885.3953 are also available to visit with you about your financial needs. Join Dodd every Wednesday morning at Chicki’s Coffee Shop from 8:30-9:30 a.m. for free financial investment discussions. He’ll buy the coffee! Coming in the August issue of SchooLife: Get Back-To-School Information or visit www.comalisd.org Registration Dates/Info/School Supply Lists | Walk-in Immunization Clinics/Requirements visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 25 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:15 PM Page 26 26 - SchooLife - July 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:15 PM Page 27 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - July 2009 - 27 SL July:SL July 12/7/09 4:15 PM Page 28
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