November 2015 - Port Neches Groves ISD

PORT NECHES-GROVES ISD
Your Schools
NEWSLETTER
November 2015
Groves Middle School Happenings
GMS Says Hello!
Groves Middle School welcomed several teachers to the GMS family this school
year.
Cxadi Angus
Lisa Eakin
Daniel Martinez
Connie Swope
Martha Bullion
Harold Haymon
Brooke Sangster
T. Chuck Williams
GMS Band
October 6th
October 30th
November 3rd
November 4th
November 7th
GMS vs Central
PNG Band Night
GMS vs PNMS
Renaissance Festival
Pecan Festival Parade
GMS Choir
Our choir has been busy !
September 22 - Oct. 2
September 26
October 3
November 4
November 8
Auditions for The Lion King, Jr.
Sang the National Anthem for Houston Dynamo game
Participated in the All Region Choir Auditions
Participated in the Texas Renaissance Festival School Days
Competition
Pecan Festival Concert
Thank you Mrs. Hollier for your devotion to our choir program!
Groves Middle School Happenings
Mrs. Sowell's class enjoyed the
Scarecrow Festival at Shangri la
Botanical Gardens
GMS Drama placed 2nd at an
Educational Drama Association
contest hosted by Lumberton
Middle School.
Student Council
Our Student Council met in August and served as tour guides for new students and
held an afternoon textbook work day for Mr. Sandell.
StuCo hosted Spirit Week with dress up days for Mid County Madness.
They also went to study halls to get students to sign the "Braves Ban Bullying"
pledges. StuCo will also host the Halloween Bash and the Halloween Cake Walk.
Braves Ban Bullying
This year Groves Middle School is working to ban
bullying on our campus. Throughout the year, we will
have weekly announcements that discuss a variety topics
associated with bullying, followed by group discussions in
the classroom. Each six weeks we have grade level
meetings with the different grade levels. Bullying is
addressed and students are encouraged to report any
incidents of bullying to an adult. Students, faculty, and
staff signed a "Braves Ban Bullying" pledge in October
during National Bully Prevention Month.
.
www.stopbullying.org
Red Ribbon Parade
National Junior Honor Society
Brave Believers
Student Council
Port Neches Middle Happenings
PNMS Welcomes New Faces
Special Thanks to Mr. Hooper and Dr. Bryan
for a great start to the school year.
Shelby
Snider
Andriann
Martin
Norman
Abshere
David
Wallace
Port Neches Middle School welcomes seven new warriors this school year.
Dr Paul Bryan is our new assistant principal; Shelby Snider and Andriann
Martin, girls’ coaches; Norman Abshere and David Wallace, boys’ coaches;
Victoria Angus, 7th and 8th grade English; and Terry LeGrande, 6th and 8th
grade math. Looking forward to a great 2015-16—Go Warriors!
Dr. Paul Bryan
Terry
LeGrande
Victoria Angus
PNMS Has Spirit! How ‘Bout You?
Groves Elementary Happenings
Groves Elementary Students Participate in Clubs
Groves Elementary students have a variety of clubs in which they can participate. The clubs are: Book
Club, Chess Club, C.I.T.Y (new this school year), Science Club, and Treble Tribe. These clubs meet
before or after school on different days during the week. Student participation has been astounding! GE
clubs look forward to a successful year!
Chess Club
Groves Elementary’s Chess Club has been a success for many years and this year is no different. There have been
between 70-80 students attend Chess Club meetings on Thursday afternoons. Former GE students even come back
to play. Chess is a game that requires a lot of thought and skill. In playing this game the students develop their
ability to compete, learn to accept challenge, and have the opportunity to practice their social skills as they interact
with the other members of the club. Some of the skills that are necessary when playing this game are skills that
they are taught in their academic studies such as critical thinking and cause & effect. This club provides the
students with an opportunity to develop these skills outside of the academic realm where they are having fun at the
same time. We hold two tournaments a year, one in January and the other in May. On awards day we give out
twelve trophies. These trophies are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place boy and girl from each tournament.
C.I.T.Y (Christ In The Youth)
The purpose of this club is to give youth an opportunity to come together and learn more about Christ.
The program will meet on Friday mornings in the auditorium from 7:30-8:10. One outreach activity they
are participating in is Christmas Shoe Boxes to help children in the United States and around the world.
Around 150 students participate in C.I.T.Y. meetings each week.
Science Club
Students of the Groves Elementary Science Club did a fantastic job of designing &
creating boats that demonstrated buoyancy and were able to keep their 10 teddy
grahams safe and dry!
Recorders Play Cherokee in GE Mid-County Madness Pep Rally
5th grade students worked extremely hard to learn “Cherokee” to play it in Groves
Elementary’s Mid-County Madness pep rally. Fifteen students learned “Cherokee” and
did an amazing job!
Port Neches Elementary Happenings
An Act of Kindness
Many classes from PNE have written letters of appreciation to
our law enforcement, firefighters, and soldiers. Mrs. Walters’
classes were honored with many of the law enforcement
responding to the letters and visiting her fourth grade class.
Dylan Spinks with Constable Bates
Ripple of Kindness
PNE ‘s 2015-1016 theme is “Ripple of Kindness.” The PNE
family started off the school year by boarding a yellow
school bus and touring Port Neches. They completed their
quick road trip at the Bent Tree Apartments in Port Arthur
where they were able to greet students and give free
school supplies away. The teachers had a blast. It was
rewarding to see the children’s smiles as they received their
gifts. Everyone agreed it was a great day filled with smiles
and hugs.
“Always be Faithful”
Port Neches Elementary students learn about PNG traditions at a very
early age. Most students are decked out in their purple and white on
Fridays in the fall. Students line up to buy purple trinkets to show
their school spirit. Port Neches – Groves is known thoughout the state
of Texas for displaying its district pride. Midcounty Madness is no
exception. Port Neches Elementary put on an exciting pep rally to
show their appreciation to PNG seniors who visited our school.
“Scalp 'em, Indians!”
Staying Drug Free at PNE
Port Neches Elementary Happenings
Chicken Club
October 22nd, the Optimist Club sponsored “Chicken Club” for our fourth graders. Local law enforcement came with
personnel and equipment. They shared information regarding their jobs and the importance of making good choices
including saying no to drugs. The kids were able to learn more about our community support with fire trucks, the
Smoke Trailer, ambulance, Swat car, Swat boat, police car, and drug dog. Thanks for all of your support.
Ridgewood Elementary Happenings
Fun First Week of School at Ridgewood! Ridgewood Honors our Police Officers! Third Graders get artistic! First Graders get their wiggles out for learning time! Kindergarteners make new friends at recess! RidgRid Students learn about scientific method with bubble gum! Ridgewood Kindergarteners learn about the Five Senses! Ridgewood Third Grade Pumpkin Investigations! Taft Happenings
”Taft’s Super Hero Headquarters”
Taft’s Super Hero Headquarters have been very busy since
the beginning of school. Mrs. Root held her annual Patriot
Day Program. The students sang patriotic songs, cheered
and honored the First
Responders that
attended.
“Eating the Alphabet”
First grade munched on the alphabet as they learned their ABC’s.
“Math Fact Fluency Night at Taft”
Taft Elementary is stressing Math Fact Fluency this year. Each grade level is
responsible for learning their math facts. We are having a contest to see which grade
level can learn their math facts first. Each grade level has a Super Hero that they
are trying to move across America. Every two weeks the students will be tested over their
math facts. The Super Heroes will move one mile for every student that scores 90 % or better on the assessment.
“Fire Safety Week”
The Groves Fire Dept. came with their fire trucks to help the
“Mid County Madness at Taft”
students learn about fire safety at school and their home. The
students were able to see all the tools that are on the fire truck
and learned to STOP, DROP, AND ROLL!
Taft kicked off this fun week by collecting dog food and treats
to donate to the Humane Society. We also collected can goods
to help the high school in their contest with Nederland to see
who could collect more. Taft was invaded by some Nederland
Nerds and we ended the week with a Pep Rally with the High
School students and some beautiful Nederland cheerleaders.
High School Peer Tutors
The High School Peer Tutors have been busy at
Taft teaching science and math to our students.
They made slime and did some estimating and
measuring with pumpkins.
Red Ribbon Week
Taft Students are DRUG FREE! The children at Taft had a fun week of promoting No Drugs
at Taft. PTA provided treats everyday to help encourage our students to stay DRUG FREE.
Van Buren Elementary Happenings
Meet the Teacher
The Groves Fire Department
presented their Fire Safety
Program to all students. The
firefighters demonstrated their
gear and equipment needed to
fight fires.
Pictured are first grade
teacher, Mrs. Christy Jones
and her class. They won the
PTA Membership drive.
PINK OUT
the BULLDOGS
NEDERLAND NERD DAY
DRUGS MAKE US
ANGRY BIRDS!
2nd Grade Celebrates
50 Days in School
Woodcrest students shared much-deserved gratitude with our Port Neches Fire Department
and Police Department by having a Patriot’s Day lunch for them.
Students also collected goodies for them and gave them tokens of our appreciation.
We are grateful for what our First Responders do for our community.
Constitution Day with Judge John Stevens
Morgan’s Class “Scientist of the Week”
PN-G High School Happenings
Jane Eyre presented by the PN-G Theatre Department
Kaitlyn Bearden, Megan T hompson, Courtney
Eakin, Bryant Hardy, Ty Riddell, & Maddie
Sink join together to thank the generous
crowd.
Jessenia Castro, Courtney Eakin, Maddie Sink,
& Railey T assin flawlessly recreate a dramatic
scene from the book.
Courtney Eakin, Jessenia Castro, Railey T assin,
Bryant Hardy, & Kaitlyn Bearden show off
their acting talents in this touching family
scene.
The Indian Players have been hard at work since August preparing for their first show of the 2015-16 season,
Jane Eyre. This play is a romantic drama adapted from the classic novel by Charlotte Brontë.
The show was performed in late October and was a great success.
Future PN-G Spirit Leaders Participate in Fun-Filled Events
The Port Neches-Groves Varsity cheerleaders, along with
Indian Spirit Zac Nelson, presented their annual PN-G
Cheerleader/Indian Spirit Elementary Clinic for all students
in grades Kindergarten through Fifth on Sat., August 29th
in the PN-G High School Competition Gym.
The Port Neches-Groves Indianettes hosted their
annual Indianette clinic for girls in grades
Kindergarten through Eighth on Sat., September 26th
in the PN-G High School Gym.
All participants in the clinic received a T-shirt, snack, and
instruction from the cheerleaders and Indian Spirit
emphasizing the importance of each and every Indian fan.
The Indianette officers taught the girls a routine and
the rest of the team participated in helping the girls
learn the dance. The most exciting part for the
Indianettes was to teach the girls Cherokee.
Clinic participants were showcased at the PN-G vs. West
Orange-Stark Varsity football game.
Clinic participants were showcased at the PN-G vs.
Goose Creek Memorial Varsity football game.
PN-G Students Earn Top Academic Honors
Dr. Keith with National Merit Scholars Railey and Ram
Riley accepting the top Chemistry I Pre-AP award
Port Neches-Groves High School is
pleased to announce that Ram
Polavarapu and Railey Tassin earned the
distinct honor of National Merit Scholar
by earning a commended score on the
PSAT test. About 34,000 Commended
Students throughout the nation are being
recognized for their exceptional academic
promise. Commended students placed
among the top five percent of more than
1.5 million students who entered the 2016
competition by taking the 2014
Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/
NMSQT®).
Midhinesh accepting the National Qualifier Exam Award
The U. S. National Chemistry Olympiad program is a chemistry
competition for high school students sponsored by The American
Chemical Society. Midhinesh Raparthy represented Port
Neches-Groves High School this past year by taking the National
Qualifier Exam at the National Chemical Olympiad. The
American Chemical Society held its annual banquet for the top
Chemistry students from area high schools. Riley Andrews
earned top Chemistry I Pre-AP honors for Port Neches-Groves
High School.
Purple Pride Band & Indianettes
Advance to Area Competition
The fall of 2015 will go down in the record books for the Indian Band and
Indianettes as one of their most successful in the past two decades. The first
contest of the year was held at Bridge City High School where the band and
Indianettes took first place in their division and 2nd place overall. After a
superior performance the following weekend at the Region 10 Marching Contest
where the band earned a 1st division rating, the band earned a spot in the Area
round of competition. They advanced to the finals for the first time since 2003
and ended up placing 9th overall. Congratulations band and Indianettes for
exhibiting the honor, pride, and tradition that PNG is known for!
Class of 2016 Senior Sunrise
The first annual Senior
Sunrise was held on August
21st at 6:00 am. Over 140
students enjoyed food, fun,
and fellowship. Student
Council planned the
successful event to encourage
seniors to bond with fellow
classmates before the first
day of school. A Senior
Sunset is planned for the end
of the school year.
P o r t
N e c h e s – G r o v e s
I S D
This newsletter is published by the Port Neches-Groves ISD.
PNGISD Board of Trustees
Scott Bartlett
Lana Parker
Eric Sullivan
Darren McCutcheon
Melanie Miller
Rodney Balsamo
Rusty Brittain
Administration Building
620 Avenue C
Port Neches, TX 77651
409.722.4244
409.724.7864 (fax)
PNGISD
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
November 3, 2015
Dear Indians,
When we arrived in mid August, our teachers were eager to get started. They participated in days of
training to build their instructional skills so our children have every opportunity to be successful. As
school started, I expected our enrollment to be on the increase, and it was. As I have traveled to campuses
this semester, our elementaries are full of children eager to learn and our teachers are meeting the extremely high expectations that we
put on them. Their hard work during August is paying off and our children are learning. I continue to be impressed with our staff and
how they love and teach our children. When I drop my daughter off at school each morning, the kids are eager to be there and appear
very excited to start their school day. I am pleased at this point, but refuse to be complacent and continue to look for ways for this
district to maintain and improve its standing in southeast Texas and throughout the state. Our campuses are safe and effective due to the
hard work and knowledge of our teachers and administrators. Our future is bright and we will never abandon our Honor, Pride and
Tradition.
Both Groves and Port Neches are doing well with home sales and people are begging for houses to buy. Our reputation remains high
and with continued hard work and love for our children we will continue to set the standard in southeast Texas. Once all the projected
homes are built in Groves and Port Neches, we will need additional space for our children. Our elementary campuses are very old and in
disrepair. Almost a year ago, we began a series of Facility Committee meetings to address the problems and recommend a plan to the
Board of Trustees. Two of our dads, Matt Marchak and Dr. Scott Bartlett, did a great job presenting the plan to the board two months
ago. Since then, the board gave me the go-ahead to form a Bond Committee. We are waiting on a final answer from TOTAL regarding
a large expansion, and then we will proceed with the plan. If you are willing to volunteer on the Bond Committee, please call me and
we will visit. Again, our future is bright and continued hard work and collaboration will make our plans become a reality.
Thanksgiving and Christmas is approaching quickly, and now is the time that we really need to inspire our children to do their best and
and be at school each and every day. There are a lot of distractions this time of year and our children need extra support from their
parents to excel. And, don’t forget to thank our teachers and administrators for their hard work. Everyone gets a little tired between
Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it is our job to inspire and motivate our children to finish the semester in a strong and bold manner.
As I have mentioned in every newsletter since my arrival, the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays create a great deal of travel for our
families and we must be safe. We want everyone to travel safely and return to our campuses rested and ready to move this district to the
next level.
There is nothing that I dislike more than hearing Nederland fans cheer. That was a tough loss, but I was most impressed with our fans
during the Ozen and Central games. Your involvement and support for our kids was classy and bold. Upholding Honor, Pride and
Tradition means that we continue to support our children when it is going good and when it is going bad. Your support after the
Nederland game was just what needed to happen. I appreciate our staff, our moms and dads, businesses and our children. I’ll put this
district up against anybody in the state of Texas, period. I am thankful to be here. Have a great remainder of the Fall semester and
finish the school year on a strong note. Take care.
God Bless,
Rodney D. Cavness, Ed.D.