June 2010 - Comal ISD
Transcription
June 2010 - Comal ISD
SL June:June 5/24/10 1:58 PM Page 1 District recognizes teachers, support personnel of the year Comal ISD well-represented at Race for the Cure GVTC lavishes employees with $500 gift cards Team Comal, a team of more than 100 Comal ISD administrators, teachers, support personnel, students, family and friends, participated in the 13th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on May 1 in San Antonio. This is the second year for Team Comal to participate in this event raising more than $1,000. A group from Comal Elementary School made up a large portion of Team Comal in support of the school’s principal, Joni Coker (pictured right), and a teacher, Valerie Cleckler. Both Coker and Cleckler have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In recognition of the efforts of their colleagues, Coker and Cleckler both said, “We feel supported by our district and our Comal Elementary School staff. The Race for the Cure was such a positive celebration of life and an outpouring of hope for a cure. Many of our CISD and CES friends said that they were so inspired after the race that they plan on making it an annual event.” Thank you to all who participated and gave of themselves for such a worthy cause. GVTC, a long-time supporter and sponsor of Comal ISD, was proud to attend the district’s annual employee recognition banquet, honoring teachers and staff for their outstanding efforts this year. One elementary and one secondary teacher, as well as one campus support personnel and one support services employee, each received a $500 gift card from GVTC, a $125 check from the Comal Education Foundation, and a $100 American Express gift card from the district. Goodwin Frazier Elementary art teacher Edyta Ellison and Canyon Middle science teacher Hanna Brown were named Comal ISD teachers of the year for the 2009-10 school year. Pictured are (l-r) GVTC public relations director Ola Armstrong, Ellison, Brown and Comal Education Foundation president Carlene Comer. Mt. Valley Middle School’s general education associate Katy Lewis was selected as Comal ISD’s 2010 Campus Support Personnel of the Year and Stephanie Cichon was chosen as the district’s 2010 Support Services Support Personnel of the Year. Pictured (l-r) are GVTC public relations director Ola Armstrong, Lewis, Cichon, Comal Education Foundation president Carlene Comer, and Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker. The Smithson Valley High School FCCLA, pictured below, also participated in the Race for the Cure at the Alamodome. They joined 30,000 other participants in the 5K run/fitness walk that raises funds and awareness to bring an end to breast cancer. The students designed shirts to support one of their advisors who had breast cancer this year and raised $725 for the cause. SL June:June 5/24/10 1:58 PM Page 2 2 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:58 PM Page 3 SVHS student defies the odds on her way to graduation walk By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. Rosalina Gomez’s educational path should have come to an end when she was 12 years old. For most of the young people growing up in the Mexican city of Guanajuato, when their time in the sixth grade is over, so is their formal education. To continue their education, students like Gomez would need their own transportation to a school dozens of miles away, which is an unlikely luxury in Guanajuato, where the average family earns the equivalent of $6,794 U.S. dollars annually. So when her schooling ended in Mexico in 2002, Gomez could have easily been relegated to a life of working in the farming industry, like the vast majority of her family. Gomez had a different worldview, however, and began to journal it. “Even though I wasn’t in school, I would write about my life and my dreams of coming to America and learning a second language,” Gomez said. “All I could think about was getting a better education, but since no one in my family had ever made it past the sixth grade, I never thought those dreams would become a reality.” Although education wasn’t a reason for wanting to come to America, a decision Gomez’s father Joaquin made when Rosalina was 12 would greatly shape her future. He applied for and received a visa to work in the United States and found employment in the landscaping industry in Idaho. “It was difficult, because my father would be gone for eight months and then he’d come back to visit my mother, brother and me for four months,” Rosalina said. “He was just trying to earn more money for our family, so I respected that, but only being able to talk to your father over the phone those months he was away was very hard on all of us.” Besides increasing his family’s bank account, another positive thing happened as Joaquin was making his trips back and fourth. He began to learn about the value of a good education. visit www.comalisd.org By the time Rosalina was 16, Joaquin had saved enough money to move the family to the U.S. To make the transition easier, he got a job at Smithson Valley High School as a custodian. “It was a lot better having my dad in Texas,” Rosalina said. “I think it would have been much more difficult to move to Idaho where he worked before. I was very excited when I learned we were coming to the United States.” So, despite not knowing a single word of English, Rosalina enrolled as a freshman at SVHS in the fall of 2006. “I didn’t know how to say anything in English,” she said. “Not, ‘How are you?’ or ‘What’s your name?’” The reality of being in such a new and foreign atmosphere soon set in. “It’s hard to describe,” Rosalina said. “All I did was cry. I felt so bad. I woke up in the morning knowing I was going to go to school and not know what the teacher or kids were saying.” SVHS ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher Mona Daniels could sense her new student’s fear. “I knew it was going to be very tough on her, and I was wondering how I was going to help her,” Daniels said. “I could tell by the look on her face she couldn’t understand me.” After being thrown into the fire as a freshman, Rosalina was barely making it at SVHS. She nearly failed Algebra I and did fail the second semester of English I. Something began to change as she emerged from her four weeks of summer school and entered her sophomore year. “Things really started to finally click in the tenth grade,” Rosalina said. “Mrs. Daniels and my father told me to keep pushing myself and that one day I was going to learn this new language and would have many more opportunities. I realized this was what I wanted, and I really started to buckle down and study.” She studied for at least three hours every night and gave up her dreams of playing on the soccer team, one of her loves in Mexico, because she knew she was going to have to become much more proficient in English to be successful in the U.S. Her hard work paid off in a big way. Since the her goals and a better future for herself.” beginning of her sophomore year, the lowest grade Rosalina said she’s sure tears will again be flowing Rosalina has had in any subject during a nine-week on graduation day, but not because she can’t underperiod is 85. She’s even managed to make the all-A stand her teachers or classmates like during her early honor roll twice. days at SVHS. Last year, as a junior, she increased her nightly “I’m for sure going to cry,” she said. “I’ll be very study workload to four hours per night and passed the emotional.” math, social studies and science TAKS (Texas Rosalina’s immediate future is set, as the girl who Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) tests on her first at one time appeared destined to spend her life in try, and the English TAKS on her second attempt. Mexico with a sixth-grade education will be headed to On May 29, Rosalina will walk across the stage at San Antonio College for two years. She then plans on Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos and officially transferring to the University of Texas-San Antonio to become a high school graduate. finish off an undergraduate degree and earn a teaching “I’ve worked so hard,” she said. “This was always certificate. my dream. What will happen in my life now has “I would like to either teach bilingual elementary become more and more clear. I feel proud and special.” students or ESL,” she said. “It’s hard to believe I’m at Along the way, Rosalina, and her mother and this point. I really feel like I’ve made it from the botfather have taken and passed the U.S citizenship test. tom to the top. Even though I lived 16 years in She was also a part of teacher Wendy McCuiston’s Mexico, I really feel my dreams, my goals and my life Culinary Arts team at SVHS that beat out more than started when I arrived here.” 40 teams at the regional level and competed in the state FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) meet in Corpus Christi last year. Rosalina also holds two jobs in San Antonio – as a waitress at Independence Hill retirement community and a team leader at Whataburger. “Rosalina has gone from someone who would hardly make eye contact with you into a class leader,” said McCuiston. “She probably has one of the best work ethics I’ve ever seen in a young person. You never have to ask her to do something twice, and she mentors the underclassmen through her actions alone.” Fellow ESL student Miguel Anaya said Rosalina is someone his classmates definitely look Smithson Valley High senior Rosalina Gomez will complete an amazing four up to. “She never gives up, no mat- years at the school when she walks across the stage to accept her diploma on May 29 during graduation ceremonies at Strahan Coliseum in San Marcos. ter what it is,” Anaya said. “She’s always working toward SchooLife - June 2010 - 3 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 4 Students combine skills for SVHS Spanish project Smithson Valley High School students in Sra. Pittman’s Spanish II class used their previously learned body and clothes vocabulary, their kinesthetic skills and creative thinking skills to create a 2D/3D character of their choice. They also produced sentences to describe their character, memorized them and then conducted an oral presentation to their classmates. Students pictured are (left to right) Brittni Case, Celena Massey, George Schwanenberg, Sidney Collins, and Taylor Schmidt. SVMS essay contest winners The first time Smithson Valley Middle teacher Jennifer Brown had students enter the “Letters About Literature” essay contest, SVMS had one winner. Last year, Brown had two students named winners, and this year SVMS had an amazing four students named winners in the prestigious contest! The contest is sponsored by the Library of Congress, the Texas Association of School Librarians, and the Texas Center for the Book. This year’s SVMS winners, who each received a certificate, are pictured here with their proud teacher. They are (l-r) Jesus BarreraFrey, Ben Chubb, Jennifer Brown, Alexis Alonso and Kendall Byers. 4 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 5 Snider invaluable on CHS campus By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. Every campus needs a Linda Snider. Snider, a senior associate at Canyon High, has worked at the school since 1984 and has been with Comal ISD since 1978. Also, a CHS graduate, Snider is considered the school’s unofficial historian and front-office chef. “Everybody loves Linda,” said CHS receptionist Beth Koen. “She’s the kind of person who’s always thinking of others. You know it’s going to be a good day when she bakes some of her famous cookies or brings in breakfast for the office aids and front-office staff.” Snider is one of more than 160 Comal ISD employees that were recognized during Administrative Professionals Week April 19-23. Administrative Professionals Day was April 21. “Linda’s invaluable,” CHS principal Brad Brown said. “She always thinks of the things we may not think of ahead of time. By the time we think of them, she’s already taken care of it. She puts in so much time to make sure the faculty and students here have everything they need.” CHS assistant principal Donna Mitchell agreed Snider is someone who simply can’t be replaced. “Linda Snider is the backbone of this campus,” Mitchell said. “She’s the glue that keeps everything together.” Renee Martinez, CHS academic and career advisor, said Snider is the school’s go-to person in many situations. “She’s the answer queen,” Martinez said. “If you need to know something about Canyon High, Linda will have the answer. She knows just about everything there is to know about the history of our campus.” Snider said she had no idea that when she began her career at Comal ISD nearly 32 years ago that she’d still be at it. “It sounds funny to say, but it’s really gone by pretty fast,” Snider said. “I really don’t feel as old as I am. I think the kids keep me young.” All three of Snider’s sons, Coy, Aaron and Drew, were also CHS graduates. “This place holds a very, very special place in my heart,” she said. “I love the camaraderie on this campus and the friendships I’ve formed with the people I work with. Another thing I think is wonderful is to see the kids growing up. It’s pretty amazing to see how much a student can mature from the time they walk in the doors as freshmen to the time they graduate.” CHS senior Sabrina Rodriguez said just about everyone on campus knows Snider. “She means so much to so many people,” Rodriguez said. “She does so much for the stu- visit www.comalisd.org Canyon High senior associate Linda Snider has worked at the school since 1984. She’s one of more than 160 employees in the Comal ISD recognized during Administrative Professionals Week April 19-23. dents. She always has treats to give out and she’s the kind of person we all respect very much. I just hope she stays around long enough for my sister, who will be a freshman next year, to get to know her.” Snider said she hasn’t put a timeframe on exactly when she’ll decide to call it a career. “I haven’t got an exact date in mind yet,” Snider said. “I’m thinking definitely within five years. It’s awfully tough to quit something you love doing.” Snider is not the only Comal ISD administrative professional who has worked in the district for more than 20 years. Also in that exclusive club are Sherial Herfurth (certification specialist), Mathilde Shane (CHS administrative assistant), Janice Rose (special programs senior associate), Deanna Voges (payroll associate), Pat Hermes (special programs administrative associate), Joyce Graham (support services senior associate), Jeanie Mendez (executive assistant to superintendent), Denise Ortez (CHS student records specialist), Lois Redclift (Smithson Valley High athletic administrative assistant), Cheryl Monroe (accounting associate) and Kay Geffken (Arlon Seay Elementary senior associate). “Every good supervisor knows their success depends on a good administrative assistant,” said Kari Hutchison, Comal ISD assistant superintendent for administrative services. “They are our right and left hands. We are blessed to have the best in Comal ISD.” Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker agreed. “You just can’t measure how important our administrative professionals are,” Walker said. “It would be impossible to run an efficient school district without them.” SchooLife - June 2010 - 5 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 6 The FACS Program enjoys successful year By Lori Niles, FACS teacher How do you measure success? If the first year of the Family and Community Services (FACS) class at Smithson Valley High is any indication, I would say it was very successful. Matthew Emerzian and Kelly Bozza, authors of the book Every Monday Matters, write “Time spent on what matters most is never a waste of time.” Approximately 70 FACS students spent valuable time this semester volunteering for various service projects at SVHS and in the community. One of the yearly projects included the blood drives. A total of 304 units of blood were donated in three blood drives held throughout the year. This is equivalent to 912 patients that have been impacted by the donors at SVHS for 20092010. Nattalie Cardona, Rachel Harwell, Kyana Fischer, Leslie Torres, Maria Ochoa, and Rocio Huizar coordinated the sign-ups as well as communicated with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center. In December, five SVHS students worked with Arlon Seay Elementary and organized a shoe drive. They were able to collect over 400 pairs of shoes to donate to Soles 4 Souls in Haiti after the earthquake. The students were Veronica Morales, Alix Lake, Reid Schamberger, Joshua Bagley, and Nelson Teel. This same five organized the “30-Hour Famine” in April. The “30-Hour Famine” is a World Vision program that allows young people to make a significant impact on the problem of world hunger. By pledging to go without food for 30 hours, participants not only raise money to help feed and care for children worldwide, but also gain an understanding of how it feels to experience 6 - SchooLife - June 2010 hunger. A total of 60 students participated and raised over $1,000. The earthquake in Haiti not only imspired the Soles 4 Souls shoe drive, but also sparked an interest in senior Erin Heft. Her project was to sell “Rangers Hope for Haiti” T-shirts and use the money raised to go to the American Red Cross for earthquake relief. The project continues until the last T-shirt sells. Anyone can purchase the T-shirts for $10 each - $5 of each shirt goes toward the American Red Cross. If you are interested in purchasing a “Rangers Hope for Haiti” T-shirt, please call the school at 885-1000 and ask for extension 1017. Another faithful group of students provided childcare at the Bulverde Methodist Church MOPS program (Mothers of Preschoolers). This was a once-a-month program and the MOPPETS were coordinated by Laura Hilbig. The students participating were Michael Beiter, Weston Santleben, Jayme Trevino, and Marina Northup. They played with infants to preschoolers; I’m not sure who had more fun! The Bulverde Senior Citizens Center was another group impacted by our FACS students. Seniors Molly Jacobs, Carli Conway, Danielle Payne, and Amy Gardner, along with juniors Kelsey Patton and Kaylee Rocha planned the activities, cooked meals, and played games with the seniors one Saturday a month. Each month revolved around a theme. April’s theme was a good, old-fashioned Sock Hop. The students served pizza and ice cream sundaes, as well as played games like “Name That Tune” of favorite 50’s music. Not only did the group at the Bulverde Senior Citizens Center look forward to these monthly activities, but the FACS students did as well. Many friendships were formed that the students will not soon forget. Two students, Tori Benavides & Crystal Mann, continued to volunteer at the Spring Branch Fire Station. They were faithful in visiting the fire station and offering help where needed, whether it was filing or cleaning closets. Kristy Dowd, Tyler White, and Abi Harrison volunteered at the Canyon Lake Animal Shelter Society every week. In addition to weekly walking the dogs and playing with the cats; they organized a cat and dog food drive, volunteered at their spaghetti fundraiser, and volunteered at their spring rummage sale. Jenna Housson, Jen Rizzo, Alli Titzman, and Kelly Reininger headed up a project collecting clothing donations for St. Jude’s Children’s Home. All sizes of clothing from children to teen to adult clothing were collected and delivered to St. Jude’s on a weekly basis. The outpouring once again from SVHS students was overwhelming! Another area of service included helping Coach Paula Nall at Rahe Bulverde Elementary organize their field day in May. These students were Samantha Titus, Laura Barowski, and Joshua Weigand. They went to RBES every Wednesday after spring break and helped Coach Nall organize and plan the field day events. Service projects were not only completed for the benefit of the community, but many were planned for Smithson Valley High. Cleaning up SVHS became Riley Fincher and Albert Soto’s project. They walked the grounds of the school once a month picking up trash around the school and parking lot areas. It was amazing how much trash accumulated. Senior Kacy McKinney knew that dance team instructor, Nikki Howell, would need assistance as she neared the end of her pregnancy. So McKinney’s project was to assist Howell as needed before she left. I know that Kacy was a blessing to Howell during this time. Appreciating our awesome faculty and staff at SVHS is just what Nikki Piper and Kayla Whistler did. They surprised the teachers for teacher appreciation week by giving each staff member the Earth Day bags from HEB and filling them with snacks and goodies. Inspiring and motivating SVHS students is just what seniors Ashley Freeman and Brooke Pedrique did through their weekly “Messages in the Bathroom.” They found inspirational and motivating quotes, made copies, and hung them in the bathrooms and by the water fountains. Melanie Ewers and Taylor Miller had the task of compiling and computing all the service hours from the students participating in the servFACS Continued on page 7 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 7 FACS / Continued from page 6 ice cord program. Currently the total number of hours tabulated for seniors is well over 10,000 hours to date! The final day for turning in service hours for seniors was May 14. The recruiting for the FACS program began in March for the 2010-2011 school year. The recruiting committee consisted of Shelby Medlin, Kat Massey, Andi Hamrick, Victoria Rodriguez, Lecia Meyer, Austin Vaught, Jennifer Jennings, and Michelle Zimmerman. The FACS program next year should have approximately 70 returning and new students. I can’t forget the group of senior girls that organized the end-of-the-year FACS Banquet. It was to held at Buck and Ozzy’s on May 13. During the banquet, we recognized the student’s service projects, their FACS friends, and the seniors. This hard-working group of girls consisted of Carli Conway, Kelsie Lauderdale, Amanda Schwanenberg, Amy Gardner, Elizabeth Pawelek, Danielle Payne, Lauryn Lozano, and Courtney Bantz. And last, but certainly not least, was the faithful group of students that we called “Life Angels.” Every week this group of students visited with the Essential Academic students offering friendship and assistance in their classroom. This group consisted of Hannah Luther, Victor Camino, Marisol Esqueda, Maria Ochoa, Leslie Torres, Rocio Huizar, Samantha Callier, Rhiana Braue, Danya Janney, Amanda Rios, and Tevin Jerry. I am still amazed at all the service projects that these students completed, and this is just from the spring semester! There were other projects still awaiting completion that didn’t make the SchooLife deadline, but they were equally as important. Along with their service projects, FACS students met weekly with an elementary or middle school student to mentor. We called this program “FACS Friends.” visit www.comalisd.org The counselors from Rahe Bulverde Elementary, Arlon Seay Elementary, Bill Brown Elementary, Johnson Ranch Elementary, Spring Branch Middle and Smithson Valley Middle were extremely helpful in setting this program up on their campuses and coordinating the high school students with an elementary or middle school student. I am very grateful to this group of dedicated counselors and so appreciative of all that they do. Last of all, I am so very proud of the hard work, responsibility, and leadership that the FACS students exemplified. This was the first year for FACS, and overall I felt that it was a great success. “To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world.” – Author unknown Pictured are 5th period FACS students during Team Building Day at Pump It Up 2nd year Senior FACS students receiving their PALs/FACS cord: Joshua Bagley • Courtney Bantz • Michael Beiter • Rhiana Braue • Samantha Callier • Nattalie Cardona • Ariel Collins • Carli Conway • Kristy Dowd • Melanie Ewers • Kyana Fischer • Amy Gardner • Abigail Harrison • Molly Jacobs • Dayna Janney • Alix Lake • Zachary Lautner • Alyssa Lindemann • Veronica Morales • Ashley Noll • Kaelyn Parks • Elizabeth Pawelek • Weston Santleben • Amanda Schwanenberg • Nelson Teel • Samantha Titus • Jayme Trevino • Joshua Weigand 1st year Seniors/ no cord: Victor Camino • Riley Fincher • Ashley Freeman • Andrea Hamrick • Erin Heft • Elaina Hernandez • Kelsie Lauderdale • Lauryn Lozano • Kacy McKinney • Brooke Pedrique • Wesley Reid Schamberger • Tyler White • Marina Northup Pictured are 1st and 7th period FACS students during Team Building Day at Pump It Up SchooLife - June 2010 - 7 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 8 Two CLHS athletes sign to play at collegiate level Canyon Lake High athletes Michelle Roberts and Ashley Pfaff signed national letters of intent on April 14 to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Pfaff will play basketball at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She averaged 17.4 points per game for the Lady Hawks’ playoff team. Pfaff earned firstteam All-District honors. She was also named All-Centex by the Austin American-Statesman and Comal County’s player of the year by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Roberts, who will attend Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, was named All-District setter for the CLHS volleyball team. She had 775 assists on the season to help lead the Lady Hawks to their first-ever playoff appearance. Pictured standing by Pfaff (left) and Roberts are family members (l-r) Fred Pfaff, Shannon Pfaff, Dave Pfaff, Sandy Roberts and Paul Roberts. CMS band earns sweepstakes trophy The Canyon Middle School Honor Band, under the direction of David Gunn and Richard Thomas, competed on April 14 at the UIL music contest and made straight 1s, which earned the band a Sweepstakes Trophy. Holding the trophy is drum major Hunter Smith. 8 - SchooLife - June 2010 Pier signs with Henderson State Canyon High senior swimmer Robby Pier is surrounded by his parents Chuck and Brenda as he signs a letter of intent to continue his athletic career at Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. Pier competed in the 200-meter individual medley at the Class 4A UIL state swim meet in Austin in February. Lozano commits to A&M Kingsville Photo by Sam Roberts Photography Smithson Valley High volleyball player Lauryn Lozano has signed to play for Texas A&M Kingsville. She is joined by her family and head coach Liana Gombert. CHS golfers qualify for regional tournaments Tara Hutchison and Marko Lloyd each represented Canyon High at the Class 4A Region IV golf tournament. Both qualified as medalists at the District 27-4A boys and girls tournaments at Olympia Hills Golf Course in Universal City. Both the boys and girls Class 4A Region IV tournaments were played at Pecan Valley Golf Club in San Antonio. The girls played April 19-20 and the boys were in action April 21-22. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 9 From the Superintendent Wow … school is out and summer is here! Here we are at the end of yet another school year. It is hard to believe that we have just sent our seniors out into the “real world” and that we will receive another group of pre-K and kindergarten students to begin their educational journey with us. So much has changed even in just the five short years that I Dr. Marc have had the opportunity to serve Comal ISD. We have passed two successful bond elections, and by the start of the 2010-11 school year with the opening of Clear Spring and Garden Ridge elementary schools, Comal ISD will have opened nine new schools since I first came on board. Nine schools in five years … can you believe it? And we certainly would not have been as successful as we have been or been able to meet the growing needs of this district without the support of all of you. I know I’ve told you before, but I can’t say it enough—thank you. Thank you for your patience and understanding and for caring about what’s best for our kids. Congratulations to all of our high school graduates, valedictorians, and salutatorians from all of our high schools. I would like to extend a special congratulations to the firstever graduates and valedictorian and salutatorian from Canyon Lake High School. It was such a neat experience to see the students who created the culture and traditions of Canyon Lake walk across the stage as its first graduating class. We wish all of our graduates the best of luck as they open the next chapter in their lives. We are so proud of all of them. I know our teachers and principals have done an outstanding job of making sure each of our graduates is well-equipped and prepared for what is to come next for them. We look forward to hearing about their future endeavors. Yes, we have made a lot of progress in meeting Comal ISD’s facility needs in the last five years, but this district and our communities are only continuing Walker to grow and we need to continue to meet those needs. As I’ve stated in previous messages, we are increasing the capacities of Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools to about 2,575 students, respectively, but in 2013-14, the majority of our middle schools will be at capacity. We are experiencing quite a bit of growth on the far West (281 corridor) and far East (IH 35 corridor) sides of our district. And despite the fact that we expect to see a slight downturn in growth next year, we do expect a jump in student enrollment in following years. Therefore, we will be looking at another bond in the next couple of years. Speaking of bonds, in June, we will begin construction on the new elementary school at Borgfeld and Bulverde Road in the Kinder Ranch subdivision, which is one of two elementary schools left in Bond 2008. Due to our demographics, the construction of this school will now be ready for the 2011-2012 school year. It will relieve overcrowding at Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools. We expect to have a groundbreaking ceremony in early June. As always, we appreciate your support of this district and community. Enjoy your summer! Comal ISD names new SVHS principal The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of John Montelongo III as the new principal at Smithson Valley High School at the board’s May 6 board workshop. Montelongo is replacing former SVHS principal Chris Trotter who accepted an assistant superintendent’s position in Tomball ISD earlier in the year. SVHS assistant principal Chris Smith has served as interim principal at the school since Comal ISD returned from spring break. Montelongo’s journey at SVHS began on May 10. “I’m really excited about joining the Comal ISD and Smithson Valley families because of the traditions and excellence that the district and school have maintained over the years,” said Montelongo. “I look forward to continuing that hard work and dedication.” Montelongo began his career in education in 1995 as a seventh-grade reading teacher and coach in Pearland ISD. Within four years, he began his climb up the administrative ladder and accepted an assistant principal’s job in neighboring Alvin ISD. He held two other assistant principal positions at Fort Bend ISD and Pearland ISD before taking on his first principal’s position at Hitchcock High School in Hitchcock ISD in 2006. After making significant gains in only a year’s time at Hitchcock High School, including helping the school move from Academically Unacceptable to Academically Acceptable and ensuring a 100 percent student graduation rate, Montelongo accepted the principal’s job at Fox Tech High School in San Antonio ISD in 2007. Again, Montelongo guided the school from an Academically Unacceptable state rating to Academically Acceptable rating in his first year as principal and increased that rating to Recognized in his second year. He also helped to increase the number of students graduating from Fox Tech by 113 students before taking SAISD’s Director of High School Initiative position in 2009. Montelongo said he will continue to strive to increase the number of graduates and the number of students accepted into four-year universities as principal at SVHS. “Ensuring every student graduates and proceeds on to post-secondary education is important to me and something I plan to work hard at as principal at Smithson Valley,” Montelongo said. “My main goal is always to put students first, to help them in any way possible, and to help them achieve their goals and dreams.” Montelongo earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1995, and he received his master’s degree in education from Texas Southern University in Houston in 2000. “We are extremely enthusiastic to have someone of Mr. Montelongo’s caliber to be joining the Comal ISD team,” said Comal ISD Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Student Services Dr. Jodi Duron. “I am confident that he has the passion, leadership ability, and skill set to move SVHS forward and recognized as one of the best high schools in the state of Texas.” Retiring CISD employees honored at banquet Comal ISD recognized employees who will be retiring at the end of the school year at a recent banquet at Smithson Valley Middle. Pictured are (top row, l-r) David Gunn (CMS), Carolyn Pittman (CLHS), Kathy Simmons (CHS), Sue Saur (Special Programs), Slick Schlichting (CHS), Cindy Rotzler (CHS), Edward Morrissey (ASE) and Royce Garland (Support Services). (Bottom row) Roy Linnartz (Support Services), Jean Startz (STZES), Starr Dupree (SVMS), Teresa O’Connor (SES), Rose Moore (GFES) and Lisa Batey (CES). “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.” Whitening Special $99 tttt Kirk S. Kothmann, DVM Cosmetic Dentistry Sedation Dentistry Invisalign Braces Extended Hours 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 Dr. Guy Peterson visit www.comalisd.org Enjoy quality dental care in a friendly, relaxed Hill Country setting. 830-438-7200 29760 U.S. Hwy. 281 N. • Bulverde (830) 980-2869 • 2395 Bulverde Rd. #103 www.bulverdeanimalhospital.com SchooLife - June 2010 - 9 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 10 Swint wins Comal ISD school board race Comal ISD incumbent Bill Swint representing Single Member District (SMD) 7 will serve a three-year term on the school board after winning the May 8 school board election. David Spencer, representing SMD 6, was automatically elected to a three-year term after running unopposed. Swint defeated opponent Jeff Victor in the SMD 7 race. The final vote was 319 for Swint and 94 for Victor. Swint is the immediate past president for the board and has served on the board for seven years. His area includes mostly Comal County in the Garden Ridge area and a portion of Guadalupe County. Swint is a sales representative for Western Paper Company in Texas. Victor is an engineer. Swint and Spencer were sworn The voting results for SMD 7 are as follows: in at the school board meeting on Early Vote GRMC CES May 20. Election of board officers Swint 176 124 19 for 2010-2011 also took place at Victor 36 46 12 that meeting. Superintendent receives check for new school The following are highlights from the Comal ISD April 22 school board meeting. They are not written to replace official minutes. All Comal ISD Board Reports can be viewed online under Board of Trustees at: www.comalisd.org/Board_of_Trustees/. Board approves GMP on phase 3 of CHS project The board approved the sub-contractor bid from Baird/Williams Construction of $5.4 million for phase three of the Canyon High School project. This phase will turn the existing Cougar Den into a Performing Arts Center with all corresponding equipment and space including set shop, storage and black-box type theater for classroom training and small performances. The total CHS project is about $44 million of the $205.85 million 2008 bond. Board approves lease agreement of kitchen facilities for Old Goodwin Primary The board approved a lease agreement with an individual to continue to use the Goodwin kitchen and lease it directly from Comal ISD in the amount of $1,700 per month. Board approves bid for SVHS roof renovation The board approved a bid from Pioneer Roof Systems through the district’s roof consultant Austech Engineering for approximately $650,000. The school’s original roof is about 34 years old. Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker accepts a check for $225,000 from D.R. Horton Land Development Project Manager Tom Anker in front of Clear Spring Elementary. The check was a contribution toward construction of the entrances to the new campus located in Avery Park Subdivision in New Braunfels. Clear Spring Elementary is scheduled to open next school year. CHMS student Garcia becomes district’s first to qualify for national history fair Micaela Garcia, an eighth-grader in Rodney Carter’s Pre-AP U.S. History class at Church Hill Middle School, is Comal ISD’s first-ever qualifier for the annual National History Day competition held in Washington, D.C. This is the 30th anniversary of the national competition. It will be held on the University of Maryland campus June 13-17. This year’s theme was “Innovations in History: Impact and Change.” Garcia qualified with a project titled “Elevating History,” a research paper that analyzed the historical impact of elevators with a unique examination and use of primary resources from the New Braunfels area. Students from around the United States, its territories, and Department of Defense schools around the world were eligible to compete. Garcia will School Board Reports compete at the junior level, which includes grades 6-8. “We couldn’t be more proud of Micaela,” said Stephen Foster, Comal ISD Social Studies Instructional Specialist. “This is a fantastic opportunity and great honor for Micaela and her family and we want to wish her the best at the national competition. She has already proven herself to be an outstanding representative of Comal ISD.” The competition began at the campus level, and then the top two finishers in each category at the district history fair advanced to the regional level in San Antonio. After finishing first in the research paper category at the regional level, Garcia’s entry advanced to state competition in Austin, and then to nationals. Garcia also qualified for the state competition last year with an individual exhibit display on Audrey Wrestling program for CHS discussed Following audience participation during the March board meeting, Comal ISD athletic director Jim Rodrigue provided a proposed wrestling start-up cost for Canyon High School in the amount of $17,909. The estimated total first-year cost is $35,000 based on no more than 30 students enrolling in the program. Rodrigue said he has appealed with UIL for the CHS wrestling team to compete with the south Austin district. The discussion between administration and the board is ongoing. Board approves earnest money contract for purchase of future elementary, high school sites The board approved an earnest money contract in the amount of $1.7 million for approximately 20 acres of land located on the north side of SH 46, approximately halfway between US 281 and Smithson Valley High School. The proposed site has county road access on three sides with Mitchell Road on the West side, Mount Ridge on the East side and Mountain Top on the North side. The contract calls for sellers to pay all closing costs with the exception of CISD’s attorney fees. The board approved earnest money contracts for the purchase of three contiguous properties as a proposed high school site. The properties are located along the South side of Hubertus Road between the IH 35 access road and FM 482. The largest property makes up about 80 acres at a purchase price of $100,000 per acre. The final purchase price will be determined by survey. The other two properties are four acres each for $525,000. This location is about halfway between the Garden Ridge community and the south New Braunfels community. Board receives first reading of policy updates The board received the first reading on numerous board policy updates that will come back to the board in May for approval. TASB Policy Update 87 represents the second of two post-legislative updates and encompasses changes in law from the 81st Legislative Session. Update 87 includes tax rates and bonds, salary reduction agreements for investment products, employee resignations, required reports districts must publish, elective courses on the Bible as well as new codes on accountability, required Web postings, interlocal cooperation contracts and more. In addition, a policy review seminar was conducted by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the school board and administrators. Additional policy changes are being proposed as a result of that review. Please visit https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicHome.aspx?ak=46902 to review the proposed policy changes. Board approves new principal for TPES The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of former Comal ISD assistant principal Lauri Schroeder as Timberwood Park Elementary School’s new principal starting next school year. Schroeder will take the place of current principal Dr. Sean Maika, who will move to the principal’s position at Mt. Valley Middle School. Please follow this link to the district’s news releases page for the full release on Schroeder: www.comalisd.org/News/News_Releases2.asp. School Board Meeting Calendar June 8, 2010 Tuesday June 22, 2010 Tuesday Support Services Support Services Board workshop/budget 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. Publisher.....Bill Holland Editor.....Wendy M. Holland Designer.....John Rodriguez Comal ISD Communications Coordinator...Ashley Holt Advertising/Sales Kathy Smith (210) 601-4836 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] [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. Sharon Jones (830) 305-4332 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. SchooLife is now available online at www.comalisd.org [email protected] P.O. Box 436 Bulverde, TX 78163 Ph: (210) 478-9014 [email protected] GradeSpeed Parent Connection. Visit www.comalisd.org 10 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 11 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 11 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 12 12 - SchooLife - June 2010 Natalie Belknap Joshua Harris Justin Haas Texas A&M Major: Nutrition Texas A&M Major: Aerospace Engineering University of Texas at Austin Major: Biology Brian Chenault Dylan Janak Juan Herrejon University of Texas at Austin Major: Mathematics University of Texas at Austin Major: Engineering University of Texas at Austin Major: Biology Dylan Dudycha Jacob Phillips Brian Massey University of Texas at Austin Major: Biology Southwestern University Major: Political Science Texas A&M Major: Business/Accounting Chandler Kimble Jessica Watson Courtney Martin Texas A&M Major: Industrial Engineering Texas A&M Major: Psychology Abilene Christian University Dbl Major: Business & Youth/Family Ministry Samantha Renteria Matthew Willis Edward Yu Texas A&M Major: American History Texas Tech Major: Mechanical Engineering Washington University in St. Louis Major: Biology Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 13 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 13 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 14 14 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 15 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 15 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 16 2010 Smithson Valley High School Summa Cum Laude Top row l-r: Weston Santleben, Brain Chenault, Alex Gumm, Kyle Pittman, Jared Huddleston and Ryan Unruh Middle row l-r: Evan Alvarez-Keesee, Gregory Potts, Chandler Kimble, Sarah Woodard, Emily Spencer, Robert Lee, and Dylan Dudycha Jordan Wimberley, Samantha Renteria, Cierra Lohaus, Lacie McDonald, Natalie Belknap, Leah Belcar, Cassie Tysarczyk, and Carli Conway Front row l-r: Christine Huynh, Chelsea Kramps and Erin Perkins Not pictured: 2010 Smithson Valley High School Magna Cum Laude Top row l-r: Julian Gonzalez, John Johnson, Parker Taylor, and Andrew Waterreus Garrett Renken, Alex Rubin, Abigail Harrison, Jessica Hobson, Lauren Brooks, Bailee Adkins, Ian Robbins and Reece Garcia Middle row l-r: Jayme Trevino, Ariel Collins, Courtney Cash, Ashley Smith, Janet Bergeson, Amanda Graham, Chelsea Quidachay and Marina Northup Front row l-r: Not pictured: Jacob Cumberland, Lindsay Hamby and Nicholas Thurman 2010 Smithson Valley High School Cum Laude Top row l-r: Brandon Eldridge, William Jackson, Clayton Krause, Daniel Swinney, Spencer Clark and David Pain Middle row l-r: Austin Boehnlein, Eric Barnes, Kiara Coombs, Heather McCutchen, Christian Dietert, Michael Beiter and Peter Rodriguez Front row l-r: Amanda Falcon, Jessika Hernandez, Elise Holmes, Jessica Deuel, Amanda Schwanenberg, Maranda Edmonson, Lexxys Haggard and Ngoc Mayout Sara Smith, Kelcie Tiedeman and Thomas Young Not pictured: 16 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 17 Smithson Valley High School Top 15 Seniors ~ Teachers COMMENCEMENT 2010 Evan Alvarez Keesee Troy Mann Natalie Belknap Cynthia Thomas Brian Chenault Ronessa McDonald Dylan Dudycha Lori Moczygemba Jared Huddleston Richard Muenich Chandler Kimble Roy Stewart (Gene) Cierra Lohaus Lane Smiley Lacie McDonald Ellen Lloyd Erin Perkins Kathryn Rutledge Kyle Pittman Rodney Murray Samantha Renteria Robert Kniseley Emily Spencer Richard Rathburn Cassie Tysarczyk Carolyn Milsap Jordan Wimberley Sherry Metzger Sarah Woodard Wendall Lyons Senior/Teacher photos provided by Sam Roberts Photography H www.comalsports.com visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 17 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 18 The following is a list of seniors intending on participating in the graduation ceremony and receiving a diploma. Please note that students will only participate in the graduation ceremony once they have successfully passed and received credit in all course work and met all state attendance requirements. Congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2010. Hector Saul Adan Jr. • Bailee Jean Adkins • Brandon Kenneth Adkins • Bryan Randall Allen • Megan Renee Allen • Kaitlyn Marie Alvarad • Evan Alan Alvarez-Keesee • Miguel Angel Anaya • Andrew Robert Anderson • Maria Jose Angarita-Esguerra • Vance Cameron Archer • Shelby Lynn Arredondo • Kelsie Lee Asher • Ryan Davis Aust • Kathryn G. Avenell • Solanche I. Ayala Torres • Derek Matthew Bagley • Joshua Michael Bagley • Tremaine Ja Darius Bagley-Scott • Cameron Drake Baker • Jason S. Baker • Leah Loraine Balcar • Courtney Lynne Bantz • Eric Grant Barnes • Dillon Michael Barth • Stephanie Elizabeth Bass • Michael Kevin Beiter • Natalie Lane Belknap • Patricia Ann Belmarez • John Austin Benavides • Taylor Ray Benitez • Scott Aaron Benson • Janet Marie Elizabeth Bergeson • Autumn Miranda Bermea • Caelan Zachary Bernal • Ethan Lamarr Bess • Blair Rae Best • Brittany Hagan Biasiolli • Matthew Joseph Bienek • Kyle Joseph Billeaudeaux • Dakota Allan Birchfield • George Micheal Blevins • Austin Daniel Blue • Luke Michael Bochat • Austin E. Boehnlein • Matthew Brandon Bohne • Brandon Joseph Borrego • Katelyn Paradise Bouchard • Kyle Matthew Bradley • Rhiana Lynne Braue • Cody Matthew Brittain • Lauren Aileen Brooks • Chelsea Nichole Brown • Matthew Taylor Bryan • Jamison Bryce Bunting • Linda Katherine Burk • Rumer Elizabeth Echo Burke • Samantha Lee Callier • Eric Lorenzo Calvillo • Victor Manuel Camino • Brady Wayne Canales • Carlos Joaquin Canfield • Brandon Jon Cantu • Nattalie Cardona • Lizeth Carmona • Danny Carrillo • Ryan Lee Carver • Courtney Gail Cash • Domingo C. Castellanos • Marc Allen Catalani • Antoinette Marie Cavazos • Shelby Lea Chamberlain • Brian Wayne Chenault • Hannah Marie Cheves • Miles Quinten Chewning • Jennifer Lee Clark • Michael Steven Clark • Spencer Ryan Clark • Ariel Elizabeth Collins • Carli Rachelle Conway • Kiara Janae Coombs • Bryan A. Cothran • Blaine William Ryan Cotugno • Corey James Coufal • Perry Cameron Courtney • Kelsa Leenette Cowden • Zachary Calvin Craig • Ryan Christopher Crawford • Brennan Cade Crutcher • Erasmo Oropeza Cuevas • Hugo Arredondo Cuevas • Jacob A. Cumberland • Tanas Michael Delskey • Benjamin James Desoto • Jessica M. Deuel • Brittany Ranita Dever • Steven Diaz-DeLeon • Christian Colby Dietert • Anh Hoang Dinh • Cory Christopher Dixon • Mitchell Ray Dixon • Ian Ross Doherty • Kristy Michelle Dowd • Justin Dragoescu • Dylan Delane Dudycha • Ryeesa Dawn Edge • Blake Charles Edinburgh • Maranda Claire Edmonson • Austin William Royce Edson • Adrian Edward • Chelsea Lauren Edwards • Kathryn Emily Ehrlich • Brandon Grahame Eldridge • Don Allen Elliott • Troy E. Ellis • Alexandria Nicole EmeryWalker • Kirby Marie Esparza • Stephanie Guadalupe Esquivel Cerecero • Tymarchio Sirvaughn Etheridge • Melanie Ann Ewers • Donald Chase Failing • Amanda Deanne Falcon • Tiffany L. Ferrell • Riley Marie Fincher • Kyana Ann Fischer • Lindsie May Fisher • Shannon Feaster Floiran • Adam Michael Flores • Dallas Taylor Flores • Kiarrah Latrice Foster-Barrow • Ashley Marie Freeman • Danielle Elaine Frerich • John Robert Gaitan • Jordan George Galeazzi • William Thomas Gallagher • Courtney Elise Garcia • Fernando Garcia • Meghan Noel Garcia • Reese Alejandro Garcia • Amy Elizabeth Gardner • Lori Beth Garis • Mark Richard Garrett • Jacob Dante Garza • Charles Richard Gatrelle III • Gabriela A. Gay • Abinadi J. Gaynor • Jake Randall Gillit • Blake Ronald Given • Michael O. Glenn • Rosalina Gomez Carrillo • Adrian Gomez Peregrino • Mariel Gomez Peregrino • Melody Ashley Ann Gomez • Edward Rene Gonzales • Elyse Renee Gonzales • Julian Alvaro Gonzalez • Jacob Levi Gore • Jacob Tyler Gormley • Kyle Aubrey Gottardy • Amanda Marie Graham • Amber Nichole Gregory • Cole McKinley Gresham • Tyler James Grothues • Crystal Elizabeth Guajardo • Alex Paul Gumm • William David Gunter • Ann Lizbeth Gutierrez • Lexxys Morgan Haggard • Crystal Lynn Hagler • Summer Camille Hall • Sierra Constance Hallberg • Lindsay Ann Hamby • Paige Victoria Hamilton • Cara Elissa Hanson • Austin Curtis Harbour • Chelsey Norine Harp • Christian Nicole Harrell • Cody Cheyenne Harris • Raymond Jeffrey Harris • Rielle Khalia Harris • Zachary Ryan Harris • Abigail Jense Harrison • Megan Nicole Hawes • Hannah Marie Heard • Erin Ashley Heft • Spencer Trevor Heline • Kurt Duane Hensley • Benjamin Jared Hernandez • Elaina Michelle Hernandez • Jessika Rose Hernandez • Jake Gibson Hicks • Dallas Ray Hightower • Matthew Walton Hill • Rebecca Alexandria Hill • Tyler Ross Hintz • Jessica Nicole Hobson • Melissa K. Hodge • Samantha Morgan Hojnacki • Elise Katherine Holmes • Tylia Divinity-Patrice Hopkins • Jared Benton Huddlesto • Grant Lanz Hudspeth • Logan Robert Huesing • Cameron Datgean Hui • Christopher Dylan Hull • Dustyn Allen Humphrey • Jacob A. Hunter • Christine Thuy-Duong Huynh • Luke Ian Hyde • Amanda Ingrebretson • Austin T. Ivey • Robert William Jacks III • William Maurice Jackson • Molly Ann JacobsvHannah Rebecca James • Brandon E. Jankins • Dayna Brooke Janney • Dayna Kristine Jasinsky • Tiffany Nicole Jehl • Britnee Nichole Jenkins • Tevin Anthony Jerry • Aaron Charles Johnson • Brianna Simone Mavis Johnson • Chayce Kallan Johnson • James Furman Johnson III • John Russell Johnson • Blake Daniel Johnston • William Cody Jordan • Jordan Taylor Jung • Karl Emerson Kapustka • Samuel James Keith • Teresa Maria Kellar • Brittany Nichole Kellum • Shelby Leonie Kempin • Caio Gardner Kiltoff • Chandler Trace Kimble • Connor Peyton Kingery • Erin Jade Kinniell • Evan Paul Kiolbassa • Matthew C. Kirchoff • Kelly Hawkins Kirkpatrick • Chelsea Rhiannon Kramps • Clayton Dean Krause • Hesston Gus Krause • David Andrew Kreutler • Caleb Nathaniel Kruse • Chase Hennings Kuentz • Matthew E. Kuykendall • Lawrence Simon La Motte • Nichole Michelle Lain • Alix Taylor Lake • Shelby Nicole Langhoff • Krista Estee Laplante • Samuel Ricardo Lara • Aliena Marie Larsen • Kelsie Jordan Lauderdale • Zachary Aaron Lautner • Robert Franklin Lee • Michelle Nicole Lenahan • James Lenny Leos • Alyssa Kathleen Lindemann • Ethan Arren Linn • Bradley Hunter Lisman • Morris Frank Loeffler III • Michael Anthony Loftis Jr. • Cierra Chantel Lohaus • Angela Dhannette Longoria • Justin Dietrich Lowe • Lauryn Elyse Lozano • Jessica Gail MacDonald • Regan Collis Manning • Joshua Paul Marlatt • Joel Esteban Marte • Amber Nicole Martin • Cody Lincoln Martin • Ryan Tyler Martin • Ashley Ann Martinez • Cynthia Martinez • Jessica Lyn Martinez • Jonathan Martinez • Amanda C. Mata • Ngoc Mayout • Chelsea Dawn McBee • Kevin Andrew McBride • Heather Lynn McCutchen • Amber Renee McDaniel • Lacie Dea McDonald • Austin Sumner McGonigal • Jessica Lauren McGuire • Kacy Paige McKinney • Kayla Reanne McNeel • Lana Lea McRea • Sarah Kathryn Meador • Robert Andrew Mecke • Samantha Paige Meckel • Maris Aubrey Medina • Mark Christopher Melendez • Aissa Monique Mercado • Andrea Michelle Meredith • Christopher Lee Migura • Mark Raymond Milewski • Krista Daniella Miller • Treyvon Marquis Mitchell • Coker Radigan Moeller • Lauren Elida Molina • Misty Lynn Mooney • Daniel Terrett Moore • Lauren Ashley Moore • Juan-Daniel Mora • Veronica Ariel Morales • Tomas Alexander Moreno • Michael Allen Morgan • Jared Mark Mosley • Kayla Danielle Moss • Craig Anthony Mullins • Belinda Ann Mungia • Kimberly Grace Munoz • Brittany Marie Nash • Gabriel Navarro • Cody Tyler Neckar • Samantha Nicole Nelson • Jillian Alexandra Nielsen • Christopher Wallace Nix • Ashley Elizabeth Noll • Marina Midori Northup • Courtney Lynn Norton • Amanda Constance Nunez • Araceli Olivares • Christian Xavier Ortiz • Devante Daquon Owens • Samantha Jennifer Pagliarulo • David Robert Pain • Ashleigh Marie Pannell • Alexandra Helena Papatonis • Kaelyn Alysse Parks • James Dallas Pate • Elizabeth Rose Pawelek • Danielle Alaine Payne • Jacob Clayton Payne • Brooke Celina Pedrique • Cara Rae Peek • Dylan Guy Peele • Jeremy Taylor Peirsol • Rafael Perez Lomeli • Ricardo S. Perez • Erin Elizabeth Perkins • Randall Curtis Perkins • Conner Kathryn Phariss • Brady Thomas Phelps • Kelsey Christine Phelps • Jaimie Morgan Piatnik • Genitt Fernanda Picciotti • Jordan Edward Pierce • Kyle Britt Pittman • Gregory Dale Potts II • Danielle Marie Powers • Daniel Edward Pryor • Chelsea Noelle Quidachay • Kenneth Taylor Rackley • Michael Joseph Radino Jr. • Jenna Krista Raines • Adriana Ramirez Ferreira • Colin Thomas Ramirez • Emmanuel Roaro Ramirez • Gustavo Luis Ramirez Ruiz • Justin Gregory Ramirez • Stephanie Ramirez • Michael Brody Raney • Jennifer Ann Rangel • Cullen James Rauser • Sarah Lynn Raye • Jonathan T. Reagan • Gustavo Gonzalez Recendiz • Faye Rose Renfro • Garrett Wade Renken • Samantha Anne Renteria • Ryan James Respondek • Kendall Jan Rice • Spencer Joseph Rink • Amanda Paige Rios • Jesse Aaron Rios • Michael Taylor Risenmay • Alexander Ramon Rivera • Ian Michael Robbins • Paul Justin Robles III • Justin Daniel Pavot Rodriguez • Oscar Rodriguez • Peter Rodriguez • James Clifton Rogers • Russell Eugene Rohan • Shawna Rae Ross • Justin Kennedy Rowell • Dy’re Alexander Rubin • Logan G. Russell • Michael Arthur Russell • Dalton Brucks Saathoff • Zachary Alexander Saavedra • Roy Andrew Salmon II • Allen Jay Sampson • James Dillon Sampson • Hector Sanchez • Todd Stephen Sankey • Weston Harris Santleben • Jose Antonio Santos • Bryan McKenna Saunders • Wesley Reid Schamberger • Kyle Anthony Schneider • Amanda Leigh Schwanenberg • Savannah Grace Seguin • Anne Marie Shaffer • Meghan Elizabeth Sharrar • McCall Lee Shattuck • John Paul Sibilsky • Arturo Francisco Sida • Justin Ronnie Silcox • Joshua Ryan Sims • Ashley Nicole Smith • Mark Allen Smith • Sara Elizabeth Smith • Zachary Giles Snavely • James Daniel Snowden • Kelsey Kae Somal • Michelle Mackenzie Sorenson • Cassandra Lisette Sosa • Emily Deen Spencer • Matthew Christopher Stacy • Jason Paul Standard • Rebekah Stanley • Cole Julian Stepniewski • Jake James Stepniewski • Cailyn Nicole Stewart • Jessa Renee Stone • Joshua Dean Story • Dillon Paul Strickland • Meghan Elizabeth Sullivan • Afsha A. Sundrani • Brandon Andreas Scott Swandal • Daniel Burrell Swinney • John Blackley Sylvester Jr. • Joshua William Tavarez • Matthew H. Taylor • Parker Owen Taylor • Joshua Michael Teal • Elliott A. Teel • Nelson Anthony Teel • Preston Reid Tharp • Logan Dean Thigpen • Sandra Estell Thomas • Rebekah Paige Thudium • Nicholas A. Thurman • Kelcie B. Tiedeman • Travis N. Timberlake • Ashli D’Rai Tippins • Samantha Faith Titus • Timothy Jacob Todaro • Talia Noel Tomlinson • Taylor Rae Torbert • Krystine Amber Tovar • Jacob Edward Tree • Jayme Erika Trevino • Jennifer Stacey Trevino • Cezar Alexander Trinidad • Cassie Lynn Tysarczyk • Ryan Christopher Unruh • Lacie Wade Valdez • Justin Michael Vann • Joshua Alex Velasquez • Ross Hunter Veytia • Xavier Gabriel Villareal • Arthur Ray Villarreal III • Kayce Karey Peyton Voges • Krystian Gene Jeremiah Voges • Chelsea Renee Wallace • Morgan Elizabeth Walley • Robert Ethan Wallgren Jr. • Lauren Ann Walsh • Andrew James Waterreus • Brandon Blake Weaver • Aaron David Weber • Corey Alan Weber • Joshua G. Weigand • Morgan Rain Weigand • Brett Jeffrey Wellman • Tyler Cameron West • Britteny Lynn Whitaker • Hayden Lloyd White • Tyler Daniel White • Julie Michelle Whorton • Christina Michelle Williams • Janae Nicole Williams • Heather Renee Wilsey • Kyle William Wilson • Jordan Marie Wimberley • Kimberlie Collette Winslow • Sarah Beth Woodard • Ashley Nicole Wyatt www.c o u n tr y h ills v e t.c o m • Stacey Nicole Wyatt • Thomas Joseph Young • Cade Adam Zenner 18 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 19 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 19 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 20 20 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 21 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 21 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 22 22 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 23 2010 Canyon High School Summa Cum Laude Front row l-r: Mandy Ogle, Toni Garrison, Courtney Martin, Jenna Keller, Paige Klinge, Dana Ogrin, Sarah Stancik Back Row l-r: Cameron Pawelek, Lane Fife, Ryan Goad, Justin Haas, Edward Yu, Brian Massey, Jonathan Volz, Juan Herrejon, Joseph Bloxham, Philip Churchwell, Derek Kanas Not Pictured: Sofia Schmidt 2010 Canyon High School Magna Cum Laude Sharris Vader, Stephanie Peace, Hilary Troyer, Marissa Molina, Adriana Villa, Carly Covington, Allison Hatfield, Erin Fiebrich, Samantha Streger and Erin Griffin Front row l-r: William Goodpasture, Ian Bell, Daniel Ayala, Jr., Christopher Outterson, Jose “Roman” Medina, Adam Hallmark, Garrett Friesenhan and Diego Pliego Top row l-r: Not Pictured: Miranda Metheney 2010 Canyon High School Cum Laude William Stelter, Brittany Woodard, Vanessa “Jordan” Harwood, Claudia Reyes, Marlie Vann, Magen Patterson, Danielle Hyde and Ryan Kinlin Front row l-r: Top row l-r: Brian Ha, Peter “Alex” Webre, Braden Lynch, Alexander Dubois, Max Harford, Ian Wofford, James Vogel, Ryan Hunter Not Pictured: Tyler Anderson visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 23 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 24 Canyon High School Top 15 Seniors ~ Teachers COMMENCEMENT 2010 Joseph Bloxham Heather Sanders Toni Garrison David Shahan Ryan Goad Larry Anderson Justin Haas Cynthia Rotzler Juan Herrejon Elizabeth Lind Derek Kanas Brian Martinez Jenna Keller Kevin Randle Paige Klinge Kelly Sundaram Courtney Martin Michelle Koehl Brian Massey Gary Anderson Dana Ogrin Heidi O’Keefe Cameron Pawelek Linda Hammon Sarah Stancik Veronica McClanahan Jonathan Volz Will Haltom Edward Yu James Boggs Senior/Teacher photos provided by Sam Roberts Photography H www.comalsports.com 24 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 25 The following is a list of seniors intending on participating in the graduation ceremony and receiving a diploma. Please note that students will only participate in the graduation ceremony once they have successfully passed and received credit in all course work and met all state attendance requirements. Congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2010. Teal Kathleen Addington • Jasmine Monique Aguilar • John Anthony Aguilar • Christopher Nicholas Aguirre • Irving Alan Aleman • Nicholas B. Allen • Kimberly Ann Alvarado • Nicolas Matthew Alvarez • Sabrina Lynn Anderson • Tyler David Milton Anderson • Evan Adrian Andreolli • Isaac David Arce • Julio Adolfo Arreaga • Victor Alfonso Arreguin • Daniel E. Austin • Jesus Avila • Laura Avila • Daniel Ayala, Jr. • Wesley Cullen Baker • Corey Wayne Baldwin • John Vincent Barrett • Luz Maria Barrios • Alexandra Beck • Brooke Lauren Becker • Ian Christopher Bell • Whitney Renee Bengoechea • Shawn Stratton Bennett • Taylor Lauren Billingsley • Spencer Brian Blakely • Joseph C. Bloxham • Regina Charmine Bobbitt • Melissa Clare Bohan • Janelle Nicole Borrego • Jason Christopher Boswell • Ashton Nicole Boyce • Vanessa C. Boyd • Amanda Evelyn Bradley • Myranda Lynette Bradley • Holden Storm Bradshaw • Krystal Kay Britt • Julie Ann Brooks • Jonathan Troy Brown • Kayla Carrie Brown • Blaine William Brucks • Lauren Michelle Bugosh • Stefinie Lynn Burns • Kayla Lea Caddell • Justin Aaron Cantu • Princessa Juanita Cardenas • Kayla Brooke Carroll-Ramirez • Shelby Lynn Cash • Araceli Margarita Castañeda • Graciela Maria Castilleja • Nicholas Garcia Castillo • Juan Carlos Chavez • Philip Michael Churchwell • Cameron A. Clark • Ross Matthew Cleckler • John Wylie Coker • Aaron Bradley Collins • Augusta Joy Cortez • Carly Lynn Covington • Heather Lynn Cox • Kyana Drew Crayton • Alexander Thornton Crowe • Daniel Cruz • Chynna Ashleigh Cuellar • Thomas Eric Dasso • Lee J. Daugherty • Laine Alexandra Dearing • Randall James DeBacker, Jr. • Karleigh Brooke Decker • Justin Thomas La’akea DeLeon • Blain Alexander Deshotel • Tasha Leigh DeSilva • James King Dewar • Joseph Sullivan Dewar • Cameron Joseph Donahoe • Trevor Wayne Dornbusch • Alexander DuBois • Heather Leigh Edwards • Lizann Esquivel • Luis Alberto Estrada • Brittany Lee Everman • Matthew Aaron Farley • John David Faulkner • Erin Elizabeth Fiebrich • Lane Ellis Fife • Dennis Tyler Figol • Donald M. Filibeck • Chelsey Linae Fisher • Jessica Andria Flores • Jimmy Flores, Jr. • Riley Brandt Foster • Ryan John Franz • Maegan Shantell Fretwell • Garrett Martin Friesenhahn • Koehl Ann Friesenhahn • Wesley Eric Friesenhahn • Roxanne Nicole Fromme • Amy Micheline Fry • Kalen Patrick Fryer • Chelsea Danielle Fuller • Jamie Lynn Fullerton • Brandon James Gabriel • Ramon Garcia De Alba • Toni Michelle Garrison • Daniel Garza • Ryan Lee Goad • Lacie Alexandria Gomez • Paul Anthony Gomez • Elizabeth Ramona Gonzales • Jacob Martin Gonzales • Rebeca Marie Gonzales • James Derek Gonzalez • Stephanie Krystal Gonzalez • William Mark Goodpasture • Jordan Caitlyn Graham • Gregory Lynn Gray II • (Gregory Lynn Battice - @CDC) • Erin Elizabeth Griffin • Brandon James Grudle • Sarah Jean Grudle • Kayley Rae Gutierrez • Selina Alicia Gutierrez • Amanda Louise Gutz • Brian Ha • Justin Randolph Haas • Katherine Marie Hall • Ryan Denys Hall • Adam Wesley Hallmark • Robert Edward Hansmann • Max Olin Harford • Victoria Lynn Harrison • Blisse Kelsey Hartman • Vanessa Jordan Harwood • Allison Rae Hatfield • Krystalen Lee Hayman • Jeremy William Helmke • Joshua William Henfey • Rowdy Joe Herber • Jacky Hernandez • Juan Andres Herrejon • Stephanie Lynn Herring • Evelyn Amy Hodges • Michael Paul Hoffmann • Jacob Anthony Hubble • Ryan Hunter • Danielle Elaine Hyde • Brandon Lane Ikels • Mercedes Lea Inks • Megan Nichole Jacob • Isiah Alexander Jara • Kyle Wayne Jenkins • John Andrew Jenschke • Alex Edward Johnson • Lauren Nicole Johnson • Derek Kyle Kanas • Victoria Lynn Kasper • Cody Edward Katcsmorak • Ryan Alan Keffer • Jenna Leigh Keller • Abigail Park Kester • Ariel Kilgore • Ryan Jackson Kinlin • Michael Joseph Kinney • Benjamin Hunter Klein • Paige Nicole Klinge • Alexander Raymond Kneebone • Tucker E. Krech • Christopher Glenn Krueger • Hannah Elizabeth Lamb • Richard Alex Lawrence • Deziray Roxann Leal • Erica Renée Leal • Amberlynn Lehmann • Jonathan Chisom Lekwuwa • Maria Ramos LeMond • Porchia Chanel Levay • Nicole Levermann • Kayla Michelle Lewis • Jesi Leigh Lindeman • Courtney Ann Link • Felicia Dawn Lombardo • Juan Antonio Lopez • Romeo López • Yenaiv Eunice Lopez • Patrick Michael Lussier • Braden Lee Lynch • Gregory Logan Machalec • Illiana Marie Machuca • Manuel Madrigal • Abundia Paula Malagon • Crispean Rafael Maldonado • Kelsey Paige Marlar • Jessica Caitlin Martens • Courtney Lynn Martin • Jonathan Jovanni Martinez • Miranda Michelle Martinez • Monica Martinez • Shineese R. Martinez • Steven Raymond Martinez • Brian Allen Massey • Jessica Christine Mathis • Ryan Lee Matthews • Pedro Eduardo Maysonet • Rebecca Mary McCarthy • Adriene Lee McClanahan • James Henry McDaniel • Pamela Ashton McGrath • Alex Ray McLaughlin • Colt Reeves McLean • Robert Ryan McLeod • Brien D. McLuckie • Karen Michelle Medellin • Jose Roman Medina • Madeleine Nicole Medrano • Marisa Michelle Medrano • Brooke Alison Meissner • Justin Travis Menking • Karina Meraz Campos • Miranda Michelle Metheney • Agustina Meza • Brian Chase Mills • Marissa Lynn Molina • Raul Joseph Morales • Marshal Alan Morrison • Aaron D. Moser • T’Keyah S. Moses • Jorie L. Mueller • Aaron Alton Myers • Desiré Ann Nash • Leonel A. Nava • Johnny Ngo • Virginia Ann Marie Nowell • James Dillon Null • Nicholas James Nutt • Justin Wright Offtermatt • Amanda Nicole Ogle • Dana Elizabeth Ogrin • Orlando Oliva Lopez • Robert Olivo • Nicolás Santiago Ramos Olvera • Tess Roxanne Ortigoza • Nidia Osuna • Christopher James Outterson • Ashley Mary Pagel • Minerva Palacios • Valerie Anne Pasket • Magen McCall Patterson • Cameron James Pawelek • Stephanie Nicole Peace • Zachary Michael Pennell • Liza Adrienne Perez • Tanya Perez • Robert Pier • Diego Arturo Pliego • Lauren Alesandra Pohl • Ruben Quintanilla • Cheyenne Elaine Raish • Aaron Rene Ramirez • Diego Armando Ramirez • Felix Eduardo Ramirez • Joshua J. Ramon • Isaac Paz Ramos • Owen Allen Rathburn • Arika Michelle Rau • Linden Dale Reed • Tyler Scott Reidhead • Kori Paige Reininger • Adriana Reyes • Claudia Reyes • Joanna Reyes • Shelby Ashlyn Riley • Joshua Ben Robinson • Julian Ray Robledo • Patrick Joseph Robles • Elizabeth K. Rock • Joseph Jeff Rodriguez • Kristen Rodriguez • Sabrina Bianca Rodriguez • Sabrina Eleani Rodriguez • Siria Illianna Rodriguez • Yolanda Rodriguez • Melanie Roman • Maria Guadalupe Romero • Douglas M. Romines • Briana Leigh Rose • Alonzo Salazar • Brianna Alyssa Salazar • Aracely Saldivar • Allison Amanda Salinas • Marcus Alexander Salinas • Alma Rosa Sanchez • James Edward Sanchez • Steven Omar Sanchez • McCall Davis Sanders • Destiny Bianca Sauceda • Francisco Sauceda • James Ryan Sauceda • Ruben Anthony Sauceda • Colleen Renee Sauer • Jason Michael Schaefer • Sarah Marie Schell • Sofia Marilynn Schmidt • Danci Brianne Schroeder • Russell Edward Schroeder • Erika Kylene Schuetz • Fred Alexander Schultz • Eric Scott Schumacher • Joseph Gregory Shartzer • Cassandra Marie Silva • Brandon Lee Singleton • Cali Shay Skolaut • Jeffrey Scott Slaughter, Jr. • Kyndra Kay Slaughter • Jacob Ryan Smith • Travis Lee Smith • Sami Jo Springfield • Ashley Robin Staley • Sarah Kristen Stancik • Evan James Stanley • Cecilia Avril Starks • Tyler Cole Steele • Taylor Marie Stehle • William Andrew Stelter • Hailie Melissa Stohs • Samantha Kay Streger • Lauren Renée Svoboda • Sara Elizabeth Tate • Lucas Richard Taylor • Tyler Christian Lewis Tennell • Tara Grace Thane • Erica Victoria Tice • Kagan Paige Timmermann • Luz Maria Torices • Mariana Irazema Trejo • Lawrence D. Trevino • Hilary Diane Troyer • Jonas Javier Tuason • Sharris Karyn Vader • Meagan Marie Valadez • Santiago Sebastian Valles • Ryan James Van Straten • Jonmikel Baylor Van Cleve • Marlie Kay Vann • Michael Andrew Vann • Jaime Mauricio Vasquez • Michael Morris Vergenz • Adriana Maria Villa • Joseph Anthony Villalpando • James R. Vogel • Jonathan David Volz • Kailee Brook Vrana • Michael Scott Wagner • Jeremy Charles Walker (Jeremy Charles Grote) • Rebecca Lynne Wall • Clinton A. Webb • Peter A. Webre • Ryan Patrick Wendell • David Paul Westenberger • Landon James Whitaker • Jacquelina Michelle White • Veronica Claire Wicks • Victoria Rose Wiemers • Justin David Wiley • Ashley Paige Wilkins • Lacy Lynne Williams • Levi Travis Willis • Ian Matthew Wofford • Brittany Nichole Wonsang • Brittany Morgan Woodard • Cougar J. Wright • Amanda Ruth Wukasch • Joseph Brandon Yates • Edward Chenxi Yu • Adrian Zacarias • Paola Mercedes Zavala • Tiffany Jo Zeller • Caitlyn Elizabeth Zuschlag • Cathleen Ellamae Zuschlag visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 25 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 26 Study Abroad: A Growing Interest Due to technology, travel, professional contacts, and international issues, the world is getting smaller. Participating in a study-abroad experience is more important than ever. Study abroad promotes more global understanding, networking, professional and personal skills. What does it mean to study abroad? The opportunity to study abroad is generally available to any academic major who is willing to invest a summer, a semester, or even a year living and learning in another country. There are many academic/professional benefits to studying abroad: • Earn academic credit toward your major or electives • Learn about another culture • Learn another language (even different terms in locations where English is the first language) • Gain practical skills participating in an internship or service learning project • Financial aid may apply to help defer costs • Employers consider a study abroad experience as an asset There are many personal benefits to studying in another country: • Gain independence and self-reliance skills • Meet life-long friends • Increase adaptability and flexibility attributes • Increase willingness to take on challenges or new roles • Gain more confidence • Clearer idea of future goals Nationwide, approximately two percent of college students study abroad. While the number of students learning abroad has increased, this is still a small number and universities are working to increase that. Most universities will offer a portfolio of study-abroad opportunities that include affiliated direct enrollment, exchange programs, and faculty-led programs. These opportunities give the students many choices that fit their academic and financial needs. Programs can last anywhere from 10 days to an academic year. Comal ISD Memorial High School’s 2010 Graduates Ashley Marie Cochran • Ashley Marie Nguyen • Ashley Knox • Ashley Lynn Minar • Austin Thomas Green • Auston Thomas Dillon • Brandon Scott Payne • Caleb Allen Rust • Cameron Chase Cornelison • Cody Austin Hansen • Danielle Renee Craft • Dylan Ty Robinson • Dylan Edward Creelman • Erik Luna • Ernie Ashlee Basaldua • Hailey Marie Lynn Hoben • Hannah Nicole Howarth • Harley James Hart • Jay Alden Miller • Kalyn Rae Callia • Karl Robert Bohrer II • Kathryn Leigh Strickland • Katy Elaine Miller • Kelsey Lynne Garrett • Kyndra D’ann Knight • Lauren Ashley Ruiz • Lee Michael Teenier • Maura Elizabeth Brown • McCall Davis Sanders • Meagan Nichole George • Megan Lea Ann Olson • Michael Robert Wilson • Monique Garza • Morgan C. Howarth • Rachael Marie Norton • Ronald John Hanrahan • Ryker Travis Simmons • Sandra Garcia Hernandez • Shelby Lynn Stearman • Sylver Diane Condrey • Tarik Jamal Saaid • Tiffany Nicole Jeter • Trevor Ferris • Zachary Martin Snider Will you take the challenge to study abroad while in college? Charla Bailey Director of International Education Texas Lutheran University 26 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 27 2010 Canyon Lake High School Summa Cum Laude Top row l-r: Silas Ott, Matthew Willis, Jacob Phillips, Dylan Janak, and Joshua Harris Front row l-r: Alyssa Drum, Michelle Roberts, and Jessica Watson Not pictured: Jacqueline Overby 2010 Canyon Lake High School Magna Cum Laude Top row l-r: David Thetford, Andrew Clark, Taylor Collins, Jared Goram, and Zachary Hurley Front row l-r: Emily Lange, Ashley Biering, Ashley Magness, and Jena Whitley 2010 Canyon Lake High School Cum Laude Top row l-r: Gavin Jackson, Cody Duggan, Stryder Fike Front row l-r: Elizabeth O’Connell, Rebeca Ramirez, Graysen Reed, Sandi Frischmuth, and Monica Morin Not pictured: Tonya visit www.comalisd.org Waller SchooLife - June 2010 - 27 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 28 Canyon Lake High School Top 15 Seniors ~ Teachers COMMENCEMENT 2010 Andrew Clark Kate OReilly Alyssa Drum Louis Drum Jared Goram Matthew Monzingo Joshua Harris Robin Atchison Dylan Janak Mark Watley Kevin Kutras Dean Hofer Ashley Magness Sharon Monzingo Silas Ott Teri Taylor Jacqueline Overby Stephen Foster Jacob Phillips Suzanne Schule Miki Roberts Jeffrey Vaughn David Thetford Pat Ermel Jessica Watson Kim Farlow Jena Whitley Israel Pena Matthew Willis David Springer Senior/Teacher photos provided by Sam Roberts Photography H www.comalsports.com 28 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 29 The following is a list of seniors intending on participating in the graduation ceremony and receiving a diploma. Please note that students will only participate in the graduation ceremony once they have successfully passed and received credit in all course work and met all state attendance requirements. Congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2010. Courtney Heather-Woods Adams • James Matthew Allen • Aaron Lee Ammons • Meagan Lee Ashby • Candida Brittanie Baptista • Jordan Lynn Batdorf • Harrison Cade Bearden • Taylor Michelle Benavides • Christopher James Berry • Ashley Ann Biering • Troy D. Boatwright • Nathan L. Bourgeois • Raymond Eugene Brown • Joshua James Browning • Duane Vincent Buethe III • Reuntan S. Burks • Jacob Leon Burzynski • Jason Richard Butler • Andrew Michael Cabasa • Amber Nicole Campbell • Haley Yvonne Campbell • Kaylee Ann Carr • Maria Diana Castillo • Brittanni Nichole Caylor • Trenton Micheal Chalk • Matthew Keith Chaney • Cody John Chapman • Logan Wayne Chappell • Megan Julie-Ann Cocilova • Taylor Austin Collins • Holly Courtney • Jacob Ford Crabb • Linda Sharon Tamara Crane • Paytn Catherine Dadarria • Joshua Thomas Davis • Rebeca Lyda Davis • Richard Anthony Davis • Conrad Francis Dent • Tyler D. Dietert • Mark Anthony Douglas, Jr. • Cody Lynn Duggan • Kimberly Ann Duncan • William Allen Lee Duplichan • Stryder Lee Fike • James Fitzgerald • Genise Lorraine Ford • Kellie D. Fowler • Sandi LaVon Frischmuth • Jessica Marie Galvan • Joshua Dylan Gamez • Kent Dewayne Garner • James G. Gibson • Spencer Reed Gillett • Megan Reed Gonzales • Mario Gonzalez • Dallas W. Gooch • Clint Goodman • Jared Donald Goram • Ashley Marie Graham • Dayton Mark Hall • Rosemary Linn Hannan • Bryan T. Hauteman • Lacey Angel Hebert • Brooke Anne Henslee • Courtney Lorraine Henze • Richard Zachary Herbsleb • Marissa Gabriella Herrera • Hayle Rae Hickerson • Jesse Andrew Hobbs • Jarrett HohmanMorales • Savanah Margaret Hopkins • Zachary Slade Hurley • Alexander James Indehar • Gavin Richard Jackson • Tanner Lee Jones • James Arthur Todd Kasper II • Jasmine Eden Merced Kennedy • Shelby Akree Kight • Janelle Marie Kime • Joseph Kime • Stephanie Nicole Koepp • Forrest Koeppen • Russell Henry Kreig III • Kevin Alan Kutras • Lauren Marie LaBella • Johnathan Land • Emily Denise Lange • Dean Michael Langlois • Sarah Gail Lewis • Gabriela Lopez Ortega • Jose Carlos Lopez • Kimberly Anne Lopez • Yolanda Rosa Lopez Ortega • Dillon Wayne Luehlfing • Ashley Nicole Magness • Jordan Nichole Mata • James Cole Matano • John Michael Mauricio • Regina Ann McMillan • Jessica McMurray • Lindsey Rae Meyer • Shelby Lee Meyer • Ashley Rene Miller • Robyn Ann Miller • Shauna M. Miller • Matthew Mills • Erik Thomas Mladek • Cheyenne Moore • Heather Moore • Sierra Marie Moreno • Monica Lynn Fernandez Morin • Travis James Mussells • Amanda Nicole Navarijo • Carmen Maree Nell • Eric Michael Nelson • Kyle Ronald Nielsen • Vincent Gerard Noriega • Joseph Eric Noyola • Coral Emiliya Nunez • Elizabeth Eugenia O’Connell • Kelsey Nicole Oglesby • Deven Chase Ouellette • Samantha Ryan Palermo • Juli Renae Patterson • Colby Taylor Patton • Christian Pena • Ashley Pfaff • Joshua Luke Phillips • Jaime Russell Pruna • Kristin Jenee Rainosek • Rebeca Ramirez • Jeremy Michael Ramos • Kalyn Randall • Wakeena Mae Real • Graysen Amber Reed • Michael Drew Riccio • James Wayne Richard • Matthew David Richardson • Ryan Nathaniel Riffe • Noel Kathleen Riordon • Rey Rocky Rodriguez • Crystal Dove Roe • Shelby Landon Rominger • Montana Raye Rust • Zacarry Saleen Saenz • Jacqueline Dorie Salazar • Morgan Elizabeth Sanchez • Elyssia Skye Schrag • Thomas A. Schubert • Shelby Wayne Seeger • Cole Avery Allen Seitz • Joseph Leslie Shone • Korey Smith • Paul D. Smith, Jr. • Lizette Adalnerys Sosa • Christopher Ryan Stamnitz • Karli Jean Steeves • Rose Maria Steward • Cassandra Denise Stidham • Matthew Aaron Stock • Randy Douglas Stone, Jr. • William Grady Terry • David Allan Thetford • Elizabeth Mercedes Thompson • Jordan Matthew Townsley • Charles Joseph Trainer • Sigourney Tramont • Taylor Ryan Tschoepe • Karl M. Tucker • Sarah Tullos • Jessica Leigh Underwood • Mark A. Villalobos • Ross Aaron Wagliardo • Jason Walker • Ashley Ann Wallace • Tonya L. Waller • Alexandria Megan White • Jena Lee Whitley • Jacob A. Whitt • Kirsten Ashly Wilken • Gene David Williams • Jessica Dawn Susan Wilson • Brody F. Wisdom • Samantha Fay Wright • Dillan Jerod Wulf visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 29 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 30 30 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 31 Star athletes compete at Cougar Relays Several Comal ISD students competed in the Star Athlete Division of the Canyon High Cougar Relays on April 1. These budding track stars competed in a 50-meter dash and a 100-meter dash. 1. Canyon High student Amanda White gives Matt Rodriguez his post-race medal; 2. Matt Rodriguez, Trevor Barger, Gage Farmer and Zach Moccia show their support for one another after their race; 3. Pictured (left to right) are Gage Farmer, Trevor Barger, and Matt Rodriguez stretching for the finish line in the 100-meter dash; and 4. The entire group of Star athletes and student volunteers. All 10 Star athletes participating in the event received medals. Congratulations to everyone who competed on this fun afternoon! 1 2 3 4 GREG CHANDLER (830) 438-7969 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 31 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 32 1st -Bill Brown Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration, 8:30 am to 3 pm -Timberwood Park Elementary, 20102011 Registration, 8 am to 3 pm 2nd -Bill Brown Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration, 8:30 am to 3 pm -Timberwood Park Elementary, 20102011 Registration, 8 am to 3 pm 4th -Comal ISD Secondary Report Cards to be mailed 8th -Clear Spring Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration8:00 am to 4 pm -Freiheit Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration 8:00 am to 4 pm -Hoffmann Lane Elementary, 20102011 Registration 8:00 to 11:00 am and 12:30 to 4:00 pm -Rebecca Creek Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration, 9 am to Noon and 1 to 4 pm -Comal ISD Board of Trustees 32 - SchooLife - June 2010 Workshop/Budget, Support Services Bldg., 6 pm 9th -Clear Spring Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration 8:00 am to 4 pm -Freiheit Elementary, 2010-2011 Registration 8:00 am to 4 pm -Goodwin Frazier Elementary, 20102011 Registration 8:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm 20th-Father’s Day 22nd -Comal ISD Board of Trustees Meeting, Support Services Bldg., 6 pm 29th-TAKS Retest – 5th Grade, Math 30th-TAKS Retest – 3rd & 5th Grade, Reading Dates, times & locations of events are subject to change Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 33 Four SVHS students place at state FCCLA competition Pictured (l-r) are Smithson Valley High students Jordan Wimberley, Kaitlin O’Brien, Sarah Raye and Kaci Mullen, who competed in the FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Dallas April 8-10. Nineteen students from Smithson Valley High School competed in the FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) State Leadership Conference in Dallas April 8-10. SVHS students competed in 10 different event categories at the state level. Each of these students had already placed within the top six in their respective categories at the Region V competition, the largest region in Texas. Jordan Wimberley, a senior at Smithson Valley who is currently enrolled in the Ready, Set, Teach program taught by Ann Massey, placed fourth at state in Early Childhood. Wimberley is an intern at Bill Brown Elementary under the mentorship of Sarah Trager in Life Skills and April Gregg in first grade. Wimberley will be attending Texas A&M in the fall majoring in Special Education. Kaitlin O’Brien, a junior, placed fourth in Interior Design. The Interior Design event recognizes participants who apply interior design skills learned in Family and Consumer Sciences courses to design interiors that meet the living space needs of clients. visit www.comalisd.org Senior Sarah Raye placed fifth in the Job Interview event. In this event the students created a job portfolio and participated in a job interview. Raye based her portfolio information on her current job with Comal ISD in the School Age Child Care program at Arlon Seay. The portfolio and job interviewing skills were taught in Ann Massey’s Career Preparation work-program class. She plans to attend Northeast Lakeview and then will attend UTSA majoring in Elementary Education. Junior Kaci Mullen placed fifth in the Teach and Train event, which recognizes participants for their exploration of the education and training fields through research and hands-on experience. Mullen, who’s also in Massey’s Ready, Set, Teach class, is an intern at Startzville Elementary under the mentorship of fourth-grade teacher Jennifer Curtis. Congratulations to these four students for representing both Smithson Valley High School and Comal ISD on the state level. CHS instructor Garcia wins Air Force Association Alamo Chapter Teacher of the Year Canyon High Air Force JROTC instructor Edward A. Garcia was recently named the Air Force Association Alamo Chapter Teacher of the Year. The Alamo Chapter includes 22 high schools and two colleges in the greater San Antonio area. “This is a first for Ed and the Air Force JROTC program at CHS,” said fellow CHS instructor Major Kevin Cregier, who nominated Garcia for the award along with CHS principal Brad Brown and Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker. “Ed is an excellent Canyon High Air Force JROTC instructor Master teacher, mentor and team play- Sgt. Edward A. Garcia was recently named the er. He is a creative teacher who Alamo Chapter Air Force Teacher of the Year. develops his curriculum to meet the needs of the cadets. He is my right hand man and makes my job easy.” Garcia has been a JROTC instructor for 13 years, and has been at CHS since 2001. Garcia is also now eligible to be named the state Air Force Association Teacher of the Year. The results of the state contest will be announced in July. “Master Sgt. Garcia is a great instructor and is very deserving of this honor,” said cadet Joan Tuason, a junior at CHS. “He always goes the extra mile for us. Whether it’s showing up every Saturday to help the leadership team with a project or counseling a cadet who may need guidance, you can tell Master Sgt. Garcia really loves his job.” Brown said Garcia provides leadership on the CHS campus. “It’s always a privilege to work with good people like Ed Garcia,” Brown said. “He’s the kind of person who’s always going to put the student and our high school first.” SchooLife - June 2010 - 33 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 34 HLES has reason to celebrate Public School Volunteer Week By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. When the idea of forming a science club came to Hoffmann Lane Elementary teacher Sheila Pfeffer last summer, she had no idea how much work it would entail. Luckily for Pfeffer, HLES is one of many Comal ISD schools district-wide that has a strong base of volunteers. In stepped Richard and Nancy Wackerbarth, who are members of the Comal Master Gardeners Association, and the science club began to take shape. “I quickly realized with all my other duties as a teacher, it would be hard to start a science club on my own,” Pfeffer said. “I simply could not have done this without Richard and Nancy.” The Wackerbarth’s were presented a special plaque by Pfeffer and members of the science club on April 22 to help commemorate Public School Volunteer Week, which ran April 19-23. There will also be a permanent plaque placed in the school’s outdoor garden area to honor the couple for all they have done to help HLES students. “Richard and Nancy really stepped up when we needed them to,” Pfeffer said. “They’ve been coming up to the school every Friday, and our students have learned so much from them.” The outdoor garden was built at the beginning of the school year when garden- 34 - SchooLife - June 2010 “They’ve taught us to be helpful toward during Public School Volunteer Week. ing was chosen as the science club’s theme. others,” Boothe said. “I definitely plan on “We have a great tradition of parents and In the fall, students planted cabbage, grandparents volunteering at Hoffmann broccoli, carrots, spinach, lettuce, peas, rose- volunteering when I get older.” Pfeffer said she’s already seen the volLane Elementary,” said HLES principal mary and onions. In the spring, they planted Janice Tubb. “Whether it’s coming up and tomatoes, squash, beans, and flowers to help unteerism effect rub off on her students. “I see a lot of the older students taking reading to the children or working in the attract butterflies and hummingbirds. the time to help the younger students when garden like Richard and Nancy do, our vol“Mr. Richard and Mrs. Nancy have we’re working in the garden,” Pfeffer said. unteers greatly increase the morale of all of taught us how to grow and take care of “I think that’s a direct result of what our students and faculty here, and we think things,” said HLES student James Lowry. that’s fantastic.” “Now I’m thinking of planting my own gar- Richard and Nancy have done for our kids and our school.” den at home.” HLES is lucky enough to have many volRichard said it’s been very rewarding for unteers that help throughout the school year. he and his wife to spend time volunteering They were honored with a lunch at the school at HLES. “I think it’s great we’ve been able to pass on some of our knowledge to the kids,” he said. “The best thing about it is seeing their faces light up when they see something new.” Nancy said she looks forward to the days she and Richard spend with the students. “It’s nice to be able to give back to the community,” she said. “It’s been wonderful to help teach the kids things they might not have known about before. Some of them had never seen a tomato or carrot grow.” HLES student Matt Boothe said he’s been inspired by the This school year, members of the Hoffmann Lane Elementary science club have planted cabbage, broccoli, carrots, spinach, lettime Richard and Nancy have tuce, peas, and tomatoes, as well as flowers to help attract butterflies and hummingbirds, with the help of volunteers Richard and Nancy Wackerbarth. HLES was one of many schools in the Comal ISD celebrating Public School Volunteer Week April 19-23. spent at the school. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 35 Rebecca Creek Artists Win Awards Congratulations go to three Rebecca Creek Elementary School fourth graders who were awarded medals and prizes in the San Antonio Symphony’s annual Paint to Music Contest. Brianna Adams received a first-place award, Zoe Berger a second-place award, and Michelle Sheffield received a third-place award. The young artists had earlier created paintings as they listened to an orchestral arrangement of composer Sergei Rachnmaninoff’s Vocalise. On April 15 the entire fourth grade from RCES traveled to San Antonio to hear the symphony at Laurie Auditorium, view slides of the winning artwork displayed on a screen above the orchestra, and hear the contest winners announced. After lunch the students toured the McNay Art Museum. The Paint to Music project was a collaborative effort of Cyndi Lane, art teacher, and Diana Riepe, music teacher. Top music students honored at BBES Bill Brown’s musical performing groups, the Trailblazer Choir, the Mallet Masters, and Xtreme D.R.R.U.M. (an acronym for “Discipline”, “Respect”, “Responsibility”, and “Unity” through “Music”), performed in concert for a packed house on April 22. Everyone did their part to make the evening a great success. Top students from each group (pictured here) were also recognized during the performance. Pictured are (top row, l-r) Mackenzie Jensen, Chase Bracher and Nick Frei. (Middle row) Niki Conner and Allee Schroeder. Bottom row: Kerrilee Berger. visit www.comalisd.org Leukemia Foundation receives generous check from SBMS Spring Branch Middle School rocked the Leukemia Foundation’s Pennies for Patients campaign. A Leukemia Foundation representative came out to SBMS recently to accept a check for $4,466.26. SMBS’ donation ranked in the top 10 from schools in 44 counties in Texas! Pictured here are students in Julie Shattuck’s class, which raised the most money during the impressive campaign. Also pictured is SBMS counselor Cindy Hurst. CISD to begin construction on new Kinder Ranch elementary in June In June, construction is expected to begin on Comal ISD’s sixteenth elementary school in the Kinder Ranch subdivision in San Antonio at the intersection of Borgfeld and Bulverde Road. The school is one of two elementary schools left in the district’s $205.85 million Bond 2008 issue to be built. Originally, a new elementary in Canyon Lake off of FM 306 was planned to be built and opened in the 2011-2012 school year, and the Kinder Ranch elementary was not scheduled to open until the 2012-2013 school. But due to the district’s demographics showing greater need for schools in the southwest region of the district, the construction of a new elementary in Canyon Lake has been postponed and instead an elementary will be built in Indian Springs on 281 south of Borgfeld in addition to the Kinder Ranch elementary. Comal ISD still has the FM 306 site, which will be used in the future. The Kinder Ranch elementary school will relieve overcrowding at Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools and is expected to open in August 2011 for next school year. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to be held sometime in June, and the name of the school will not officially be decided until later this school year. The school will cost approximately $16 million to build. SchooLife - June 2010 - 35 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 36 CHS choir members compete at UIL competition Congratulations to Canyon High choir members (top row, l-r) Maegan Fretwell, Lucas Taylor, Benjamin Culpepper, Jessica Miller, Cristian DavilaSerrano, Meagan McDaniel, and Megan Mikaelian; (front row) Katrena Marshall, Samantha Bartos, Adriana Espinosa, Skylar Foster, Sarah Schwab, and Kelsey Emmons, who participated in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Competition at Madison High School in San Antonio. Culpepper received an excellent rating, while all other CHS students competing received a superior rating. Fretwell, Emmons, Bartos and Taylor all qualified for the State Solo and Ensemble contest, which was held on May 31 at the University of Texas in Austin. BBES music students perform at Broadway Bank Bill Brown Elementary’s music department, under the direction of Carol Murray, performed on two recent occasions at the Bulverde Banking Center. The customers, families and friends enjoyed the music, food and fun. On April 16, the Xtreme DRRUM Corp had its audience tapping to the beat of their drums. This program promotes Discipline, Respect, Responsibility and Unity through Music. On April 23, the Mallet Masters used their mallets to tap out tunes for the audience. Their concentration was intense at times. In addition to playing the xylophones, they also danced and sang. Watching all of the students display their talents was a real treat. 36 - SchooLife - June 2010 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 37 Sandwich Generation needs to avoid financial squeeze GVTC CHARITABLE GOLF CLASSIC RAISES $75,000 Are you a member of the “Sandwich Generation”? This designation — which applies to people caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children — may be applicable to you if you’re either a younger Baby Boomer, born in the late 1950s or early 1960s, or an older member of “Generation X,” born in the mid1960s. But any way you slice it, being in the “Sandwich” group is probably going to present you with some challenges, particularly of the financial kind — so you’ll need to make the right moves. Basically, you should consider two areas of decision-making — those affecting the future of you and your children and those affecting your elderly parents’ lifestyle and legacy. Regarding your future, and that of your children, you’ll need to prioritize your goals. Some people, when weighing the merits of investing for retirement versus saving for their children’s college educations, conclude that while loans are available for college, none are offered to retirees. Consequently, they focus more heavily on retirement. If you’re in this camp, you’ll probably want to contribute as much as you can possibly afford to your IRA and 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. However, if you feel strongly about helping your kids go through college relatively debt-free, you may want to explore some college-savings options, such as Section 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, both of which offer significant tax advantages. In any case, these goals don’t have to be mutually exclusive — but if you’re going to address them both, you will have to make some key decisions regarding allocation of resources. And while you’re handling these issues for yourself and your children, you’ll need to juggle the needs of your elderly parents. With luck, you won’t have to contribute financially, but you may be required to put in some time and energy to help make sure your parents’ situation remains positive. This means you’ll need to ask some questions. Where do your parents bank? Do they have a brokerage account? If so, do you know the name of their financial advisor? Have they taken steps to remain financially independent if they ever need to go to a nursing home or employ home health care assistants? Have they drawn up a will, a living trust or other estate plan documents? Would they be willing to have you or another family member assume power of attorney should they become incapacitated? In raising these questions, you will have to approach your parents with tact and sensitivity. However, you may be pleasantly surprised at your parents’ willingness to talk about these issues; after all, they almost surely want to avoid burdening you with extra financial responsibilities. The best time to approach your parents is when they are healthy, both mentally and physically. It’s especially important to be aware of even minor-seeming cognitive impairments, such as memory lapses, which can result in paying the same bills two or three times, forgetting to record checks or even falling prey to fraudulent investment schemes. If you suspect your parents may be having these troubles, you’ll need to step in immediately. It’s not easy being a Sandwich Generation member, but through diligence and proper planning, you should be able to help avoid getting “squished” — while improving the outcomes for all your beloved family members. Your local EdwardJones advisors include: Kyle Pringle, 1550 FM 2673 in Canyon Lake, (830) 964-4744; and Robert Zito, 160 Creekside Park, suite 400 in Spring Branch, (830) 980-1812. Fundraiser draws national support for The GVTC Foundation and area nonprofits visit www.comalisd.org More than 120 golfers from across the country helped the 6th Annual GVTC Foundation Charitable Golf Classic raise $75,000 for area education, literacy and service organizations. The tournament, held May 3 at River Crossing Golf Club, benefitted The GVTC Foundation, the non-profit affiliate of GVTC Communications, a full-service telecommunications provider serving the Texas Hill Country and Far North San Antonio. GVTC Communications was title sponsor, and more than 30 company volunteers helped organize and staff the event. “Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and hard work from our employees, our tournament is recognized as one of the premier fundraising events in the Hill Country,” said Ola Armstrong, president of The GVTC Foundation. “There will be a positive impact on the lives of many people in our community because of our tournament.” Since its inception, the GVTC Foundation Charitable Golf Classic has generated more than $475,000 for area nonprofits. Foundation funds support education, literacy, volunteer emergency services and youth and service organizations across GVTC’s 11county, 2,000-mile service territory. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the response from our business partners and the community,” said Ritchie Sorrells, president and CEO of GVTC Communications. “We had true coast-to-coast, border-to-border attendance this year.” About GVTC: GVTC is a full-service communications provider offering high-speed Internet, digital cable TV, phone service and home security monitoring across 2,000 square miles of South Central Texas. GVTC was the first company in the region to deploy fiber-to-thehome technology and through its next-generation fiber network offers the area’s fastest Internet speeds. The company has been twice included on Broadband Properties magazine’s list of top 100 broadband providers, recognized by the San Antonio Express-News as a top employer, selected for the Fiber-to-the-Home Council’s Chairman’s Award and named winner of the Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association’s Service Provider Marketing Excellence Award. www.gvtc.com SchooLife - June 2010 - 37 SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 38 Free summer reading program at the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library “Catch the Reading Express” is the theme for the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library’s summer programs for kids and teens, and you will definitely want to be sure your kids catch some of its wonderful programs this summer. All of it is FREE, with the exception of a field trip to the Texas Transportation Museum on June 19, sponsored by the Friends of the Library group. On Wednesdays at 11 a.m. from now until August 11, the library has a different, free “edutainment” program for families. • Wednesday, June 2 is The Farmyard Petting Zoo in the library’s “front yard” featuring fabulous animal/child photo ops, so bring your camera! The same day, there will be a model train display inside to emphasize this year’s theme. 38 - SchooLife - June 2010 • Wednesday, June 9 is Tom McDermott, an award-winning act combining storytelling and music. • Wednesday, June 16 is Anu Naimpally, an accomplished dancer from India who specializes in interactive performances for kids. Wednesday, June 23 the library is pleased to present Magik Theatre performing “If You Give a Moose a Muffin.” • Wednesday, June 30 will be “Happy Tails,” a presentation of live exotic animals from all over the world. And there will be five more Wednesday Morning Family Programs following these until the finale on August 11, so stay tuned! Of course, the heart of the library’s summer programs is “Read-for-Prizes,” which also lasts until August 11. For every 10 books or 5 hours read, the child can present his/her reading log at the library to earn a prize. Official logs may be picked up at the library starting June 1, but reading can be logged on any piece of paper. Books read to a child count the same as books read by the child. Listening to audio books also counts. There is no lower age limit to participate in the “Read-for-Prizes” program, since research proves that reading to even very young children is extremely valuable to their development. You will want to check out the “Camp Library” events as well. These are age-specific activities and classes led by community volunteers in various fields: everything from storytime and book discussion groups to emergency training to yoga to self-defense to art to creative play to knitting and quilting, and then some! Many of these classes do require pre-registration due to limited space and supplies. The library has a separate teen program, too, with some really unusual and fun ways to get together with other teens. For more information, check out the library’s website at bsblibrary.org, come in to the library to pick up a flyer, call 830-438-4864, or e-mail [email protected]. See you there! Grade Speed Parent Connection SL June:June 5/24/10 1:59 PM Page 39 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - June 2010 - 39 SL June:June 5/24/10 2:00 PM Page 40
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