SL February
Transcription
SL February
SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 1 Bond projects progressing across district The Comal ISD continues to make excellent progress on construction projects funded through Bonds 2005 and 2008. Just this year, through Bond 2005, CISD opened brand new Morningside Elementary in southeast New Braunfels and Timberwood Park Elementary in San Antonio last August, and has completed expansion projects at Arlon Seay Elementary, Mountain Valley Middle (formerly Mountain Valley School) and Smithson Valley Middle. Also through Bond 2005, Johnson Ranch Elementary in Bulverde and Oak Creek Elementary in New Braunfels will open this August, and an elementary in Avery Park subdivision in New Braunfels will open in 2010. In fact, due to strong fiscal management, both Avery Park Elementary, and a new school at the former site of the Bulverde campus which will become Rahe Bulverde Elementary School, will house K-5th grade BOND Continued on page 4 Comal ISD provides services to children with special needs; screenings Feb. 26 The Comal Independent School District provides services to students with special needs. This free appropriate public education is offered to eligible children ages 3 through 21, who may have one of the following disabilities: learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, orthopedic or health impairment, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, autism, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment or multiple disabilities. Services for children who are deafblind, or have a visual or auditory impairment, may begin at birth. Comal ISD will be conducting Early Childhood Screenings at Bill Brown, Goodwin Frazier, Rebecca Creek and Morningside elementary schools. The screenings will take place Thursday, Feb. 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be provided at no charge. If you think that you know a child ranging in age from birth to 5 years-old who may have speech, language, or developmental delays, and resides in the Comal ISD attendance zone, please call Pat Hermes at (830) 221-2042 to schedule an appointment for a free screening. Male students love Massey’s “Ready, Set, Teach” class at SVHS By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. Ann Massey had a pleasant surprise awaiting her when she stepped into the classroom on the first day of school back in August. For the first time since she started her “Ready, Set, Teach” class at Smithson Valley High, Massey had a male student sign up. In fact, this school year she had three, which was something she certainly wasn’t expecting. “I thought it was awesome,” Massey said. “It was definitely nice to see them in the class.” Perhaps one reason Massey hadn’t seen any males in her “Ready, Set, Teach” class, which has students go out and do internships for an hour-and-a-half every day from October until May for teachers at different campuses in the Comal ISD, is the fact that all those apprenticeships were previously all done at elementary schools. “You just don’t see a lot of male teachers at the elementary level,” Massey said. “For whatever reason, Smithson Valley High seniors (from left) Chris Knisley, Ashton that’s always been the case.” Burge, and Kyle Reynolds are the first-ever male students in Ann READY, SET, TEACH continued on page 5 Massey’s “Ready, Set, Teach” class. Felps’ Reflections entry on display in Washington, D.C. Kendall Felps never thought a simple message about how the task of keeping our planet clean is in our hands would ultimately earn her national recognition. Felps, now an eighth-grade student at Mountain Valley Middle, was chosen to advance to the national PTA “Reflections” level based on her entry in the photography category last school year. Felps’ photography project, titled “Take Matters into Your Own Hands,” depicted a hand holding a miniature trashcan with the words “Think Green” on it. She took the photograph and entered it in the “Reflections” contest as a seventhgrade student in Jennifer Brown’s class at Smithson Valley Middle Felps won an “Overall Award of Excellence” at the local and state level, and an “Award of Merit” at the national PTA Reflections competition in Washington D.C. “I had no idea when I took the photo it would do this well,” Felps said. “I guess the judges really liked the message I was trying to send.” In mid-February, Felps will attend a ceremony in Washington D.C., for the unveiling of the nationally recognized artwork. Her entry is being displayed alongside other national-level winners at the U.S. Department of Education through the end of March. PTA’s Reflections is a contest held annually that recognizes students’ artistic achievements in categories like visual arts, literature and music. Last year’s theme was “I can make a difference by…” “I have my students enter the reflections contest every year,” Brown said. “We have had so many creative entries, and I’m so happy for Kendall that she’s done so well.” Art, music combine for awesome holiday concert at GFES Goodwin Frazier Elementary music teacher Jessica Lopez and art teacher Amy Howe, pictured in front, join kindergarten students who participated in the school’s Art and Music Concert series in December. Everyone involved did a fantastic job. SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 2 2 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 3 Stock market doesn’t intimidate these CMS students Who says the stock market has been topsy-turvy? These Canyon Middle students have the market figured out. They recently won $75 each and a certificate after they were one of the winning teams in the San Antonio Area Stock Market Game. These students turned $100,000 in play money into $109,000 in eight weeks. Pictured are (back row, l-r) CMS principal Patti Vlieger, Harrison Williams, Kody Windecker, and teacher Kathy Phillips; (Front row) Kyle Moss and William Wehling. A Rootin’ Tootin’ Holiday Musical at CES In December, third graders at Comal Elementary put on a colorful Christmas program, “Christmas at the OK Corral.” Students serenaded and entertained family and friends with holiday songs making for a fun-filled evening. On stage are (from left to right) Jakob Hoffmann, Trey Jones, Connor Cochran, Trevor Wong, Joshua Houst, Samantha Crocker, and Sierra Braun. Paulette Davis is their music teacher. visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 3 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 4 students under one roof. These projects that were not in the original Bond 2005 plan but were added, at no additional cost to the taxpayer, through bond savings and interest accrued. “I can’t say enough about how efficient and thorough our team has been in stretching our bond dollars,” Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker said. “It’s because of this effort, and the constant support of our community members and parents, that we are able to continually provide our students with superior learning environments as the Comal ISD continues to grow at a rapid rate.” Probably the best news coming out of both bond issues — 2005 and 2008 — is that the debt service tax rate paying for the bonds has not gone up. In fact, it’s decreased by 3 cents because of the growth in Comal County and the refinancing of bond debt. To learn more about the progress with Bond 2005 visit the district’s website at http://www.comalisd.org/Growth/Bond_2005 _Status.asp. Updated construction PowerPoints, slide shows, and publications are on the site. The major projects in Bond 2008 involve Smithson Valley High and Canyon High. Expansions at SVHS, including 20 new classrooms, an expanded agriculture department, a new performing arts center, and athletic department upgrades, and CHS, which will have 31 new classrooms, major upgrades in the career and technology and athletic departments, and a new performing arts center, will take several years to complete. Together both projects are budgeted at $75 million. New competition-sized swimming pools will also be built at all three high schools during their respective expansion projects. The pools will be built for approximately $325,000 each and will be financed through donations, land sales, and/or bond interest money. Vintage Oaks subdivision has already pledged a donation of at least $200,000. The goal is to have the SVHS and CHS pools open in fall 2009, while the CLHS pool will open at a later date. Also through Bond 2008, Comal ISD will add new science labs and a library to Canyon Middle, a new cafeteria and science labs to Church Hill Middle, new classrooms and a new wood shop building to Smithson Valley Middle, and new classrooms and an expanded library at Spring Branch Middle. The cost of these expansions is budgeted at a total of $23 million. Three new elementary schools also will be built thanks to Bond 2008, one off of FM 306 near Canyon Lake, one at the corner of Borgfeld Road and Bulverde Road in San Antonio, and one in the Garden Ridge area. The budget is $16 million per school. Garden Ridge is scheduled to be completed by August 2010, the FM 306 elementary is scheduled to open in 2011, and the Borgfeld Road/Bulverde Road location is tentatively scheduled for completion in August 2013. Additional Bond 2008 upgrades have decreased the student-to-computer ratio through mobile labs, and will include air conditioning in all elementary and middle school gyms, standardizing all elementary playgrounds, will improve parking at Specht Elementary, will add an agricultural barn at Canyon Lake High, and will provide interactive whiteboards, iPods, document cameras, and wireless internet connection to all campuses. To learn more about the progress with Bond 2008 visit the district’s website at http://www.comalisd.org/Growth/Bond_2008 _Status.asp. Updated construction PowerPoints and publications are on the site. Oak Creek Elementary School Johnson Ranch Elementary School Oak Creek Elementary School Johnson Ranch Elementary School BOND / Continued from cover GREG CHANDLER (830) 438-7969 4 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 5 READY, SET, TEACH/ Continued from cover One of Massey’s male “Ready, Set, Teach” students, senior Ashton Burge, bucked the trend and became the first to intern at the high school level. He helps SVHS sophomore English teacher Holly Leach. “Ashton was dead-set on teaching at the high school level, and it worked out that he was able to find an internship here at SVHS,” Massey said. “I think it’s such an accomplishment for a senior to be able to go in and teach a class full of students two years younger than he is.” Like all students in Massey’s “Ready, Set, Teach” class, one of Burge’s tasks is to make up lesson plans and teach class. “The experience we get in this class is equivalent to what a lot of fourth-year college students get,” Burge said. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, so when I heard about this class I figured I’d be a perfect fit. I would absolutely recommend it to anybody that thinks they might want to teach.” Leach said she has been very pleased with Burge’s efforts in her classroom. “Ashton is doing better than my collegeeducated student teacher did last year,” Leach said. “He knows the material better and he has a better command of the classroom. He’s even going to faculty meetings and helping with hall duty. I think he will be a fabulous teacher one day.” Chris Knisley is doing his internship with Matt Herzog, a third-grade teacher at Startzville Elementary. “I had the chance to work with one of the few male elementary teachers in the district, so that was a very good place for me to decide if I want to teach,” Knisley said. “It’s worked out perfectly, and has given me a great perspective.” Kyle Reynolds, who is doing his internship at Rahe Bulverde Elementary, first heard about “Ready, Set, Teach” when Massey talked to his “Individual and Family Life” class. “I work with children in my church and I love it, so I wanted to see if this might be a good career path for me,” Reynolds said. “I hope we start a trend and Mrs. Massey sees more guys in her class in the future.” Abi Wood, a senior and “Ready, Set, Teach” classmate to Reynolds, Knisley and Burge, said it doesn’t really matter what your gender is, as long as you’re passionate about teaching. “I think this is a great class for anybody,” Wood said. “If we decide to go into teaching in college, we’ll all be so far ahead of everybody there because of what we’ve learned here, and I think that’s pretty exciting.” GradeSpeed Parent Connection. Visit www.comalisd.org Area animals benefit from SVHS Eagle Scout Kyle Reynolds, a senior at Smithson Valley High School, was honored recently at an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Reynolds (pictured center) is a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 145, chartered at Northern Hills United Methodist Church in San Antonio. He has been involved with Boy Scouts since first grade. Reynolds’ Eagle Scout Leadership Project benefited the Bulverde Area Humane Society, where he led volunteers from the community. The group completely refurbished the front deck of the BAHS trailer, creating a safe passageway to the office area, and improving the appearance of the area surrounding the trailer. More than 75 hours of volunteer time were used in completing the project. Sounds of the season The customers, parents and employees of Broadway Bank – Bulverde enjoyed the musical talents of the Bill Brown Elementary Trailblazer Choir on Dec. 16th. Under the direction of Carol Murray, the 37-member choir sang such classics as “Sleigh Ride” and some newer whimsical tunes. Dedicated medical specialists committed to meeting your healthcare needs in a professional yet relaxed environment that is convenient to the families of Comal County. CARDIOLOGY GASTROENTEROLOGY Kalife Kuri, M.D., F.A.C.C. Heart and Vascular Institute of Texas Specializing in medical and surgical care of cardiovascular diseases. (210) 804-6000 www.havit.com Richard T. Shaffer, M.D. Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio Dedicated to Clinical Excellence (210) 582-8000 www.gastroconsa.com P O D I AT R Y C H I R O P R A C T I C Raymond Oliviero, DPM Crystal Podiatry at Bulverde Crystal Podiatry at Stone Oak (210) 496-FEET (3338) Injury Disease & Surgery of the Foot Specializing in Diabetic foot care, sports medicine and children’s foot disorders. visit www.comalisd.org Chris Tupper, D.C. Tupper Chiropractic with Century Regional Healthcare (830)980-9676 “Patients Feel Better When We Work Together” Physical Rehabilitation & Chiropractic Care with a Medical Team SchooLife - February 2009 - 5 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 6 From the Superintendent the Senate will change its One semester down mind, and that the and one to go in 2008-09. Legislature will do someWhere does the time go? thing to aid school disWe are watching the tricts before they go Texas Legislature closely bankrupt. this session as it works This is the season for through complex issues TAKS testing too. It is facing our state. Among just around the corner and them is education funding our students will be that, if it goes unchecked ready, as they always are. and unmodified, will draDr. Marc Walker We are proud to report that matically impact school our Comal ISD students once again operations across the state. outperformed their peers in the region In particular, the House has and the state during the 2008 adminacknowledged that public school istration of the TAKS tests. funding is a mess with school disAs we continue our journey tricts receiving varying amounts of through another successful school money per student. The “target revyear, I encourage you to stay enue” each district receives is the same amount it received in 2006. No involved in your children’s education. Volunteer in our schools. Check your adjustments are in the state funding children’s grades daily through Parent formula for inflation, teacher pay Connection. Read to your children raises, and rising utilities. The Senate has publicly stated it is every night. Together we can make a difference. not interested in addressing school funding this session. We can only hope that the House will prevail, that Outstanding Graduate Nominees Sought The Comal Independent School District is looking for CISD graduates from 1999 or before to honor with the CISD Outstanding Graduate Award. Nominations are being accepted through March 13, 2009. The CISD Outstanding Graduate Award is designed to honor district high school graduates for excellence and notable achievement since graduating from Comal ISD schools. This is the 12th year for the program. Nominations for the CISD Outstanding Graduate Award can be made by anyone familiar with the candidate. To be eligible, nominees must have graduated from either Canyon or Smithson Valley high schools at least 10 years ago. The nominee should be or have been actively involved in his/her community; achieved extraordinary career status; made outstanding contributions to a career field; made notable contributions to an area, state, etc.; and/or a combination of these achievements. The honorees will be recognized in May during the Comal Education Foundation’s academic recognition banquet. Last year’s recipients were Elizabeth Anne Weisman (CHS ’96), Monica Krieg Hays (CHS ’84), Janet Link Groth (CHS ’73), Douglas Edwards (CHS ’81), and Barbara Doeppenschmidt (CHS ’65). Nomination forms are available online at www.comalisd.org or at the district’s Support Services Center, 1404 IH 35 North, New Braunfels. You can call 830-221-2066/885-1791/609-6280 for a form as well. Completed forms may be faxed to 830-221-2001, mailed to the above address, or emailed to [email protected]. The Godfather of HR Congratulations to Bob Presley, who received the first-ever Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Lifetime Distinguished Service Award. TASPA board member Dr. Neil Dugger, from the Irving ISD, presented the award to Presley on December 11, at a luncheon during TASPA’s winter conference. Presley was the longtime Deputy Superintendent for Human Resources and Administration in the Hays CISD before retiring last year. He currently serves as the part-time assistant to the superintendent in the Comal ISD. Comal Education Foundation Thanks Partners! The Comal Education Foundation (CEF) is in the middle of a very successful year. During the current school year, the Foundation has funded a district-wide grant for elementary science programming, hosted the 5th Annual Comal Cajun Celebration, honored KENS Excel Teacher of the Year finalists, produced its first newsletter, raffled off a Harley Davidson motorcycle courtesy of Sac `N Pac, and kicked off a new marketing campaign. All of these activities would not be possible without the support of some very special donors—the members of the Foundation Partners. This group of businesses supports the Education Foundation with an annual contribution that supports all the activities of the Foundation. This year, the Foundation Partners have contributed almost $70,000 to the CEF. Thank you to these partners! Diamond Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union Sac `N Pac (Harley Davidson Raffle Sponsor) SHW Group (Presenting Sponsor of the CEF Golf Classic) Texas Intrepid Ventures Platinum Bartlett Cocke General Contractors Fugro Consultants, LP Hunter Industries Pfluger Associates Architects Gold Baird/Williams Construction Law Office of R. David Fritsche GVTC HEB Herff Jones— The Overall Graduation Office Moore Erection, LP Riata Financial Services SAMCO Capital Markets Southerland Communities Urban Concrete Contractors, Ltd. Walsh, Anderson, Brown, Schulze & Aldridge, PC The businesses are making a difference for the students and teachers in Comal ISD by supporting educational enrichment and excellence. For more information on how you can support the Comal Education Foundation, please call 830-214-5010 or visit www.comaledfdn.org. Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union presents a check at the Diamond Partner level to the Comal Education Foundation. Pictured (left to right) are, Amy Gailey, RBFCU; Carlene Comer, Foundation President; Laura LinhartKistner, Foundation Executive Director; and Mary Jo Floyd, RBFCU. Publisher.....Bill Holland Editor.....Wendy M. Holland Designer.....John Rodriguez Comal ISD Communications Director.....Kari Hutchison SchooLife is published in partnership with the Comal Independent School District. The monthly publication, which focuses on Comal ISD students, staff and community, is designed to increase communication between district schools and parents. The opinions, statements, and claims expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the district or its officials. Comal Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, or disability in providing education services, activities or programs. It is the intent and policy of this District to conduct its activities in compliance with all Federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin or disability. E-mail photos and stories to: [email protected] or [email protected] For advertising rates and information, contact Bill Holland at 210-478-9085 The deadline is the 10th of each month for information to be included in the following month’s publication. SchooLife is published the first of each month and is available FREE to parents of students attending schools in the Comal Independent School District. A complimentary copy of the paper is sent home the beginning of each month in the backpacks of students in grades K-8. Additional copies are available in school offices and various locations throughout the communities. All creative concepts, designs, and layout for all advertisements are the sole property of SchooLife and may not be reproduced in any other publication without prior approval. Advertising/Sales Kathy Smith (210) 601-4836 P.O. Box 436 Bulverde, TX 78163 Ph: (210) 478-9085 [email protected] GradeSpeed Parent Connection. Visit www.comalisd.org 6 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 7 Board honors poster contest winners Comal ISD students continue to do better than their peers in the region and state The Comal ISD had three students place high in this year’s statewide Geography Awareness Week poster contest, hosted by the Texas Alliance for Geographic Education. Smithson Valley Middle sixth-grade student Peyton Haggard, and Canyon High ninth-grader Paulina Gil-Pier, placed first in their grade divisions. Also, placing second in the 6-8th grade category was Church Hill Middle student Ana Maese. Here, (left to right) Gil-Pier, Maese and Haggard are recognized by the CISD school board and superintendent Dr. Marc Walker at the December board meeting. Our distinguished panel of judges A public hearing on the 2007-08 Comal Independent School District’s annual Academic Excellence Indicator System (AEIS) report from the state was held during the school board’s regular meeting on Jan. 29. The AEIS report shows that Comal ISD students once again outperformed their peers at the regional and state levels on the 2008 Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). The report also provides financial, staffing, and tax information. More Comal ISD students passed every state test at every grade level — math, reading, writing, science, and social studies — than did their peers at the state and regional levels. Other highlights from the 2007-2008 AEIS report include: • When summed across grade levels the percentage of Comal ISD students passing all tests was 83 percent. The percentage passing the writing and social studies exams was 96 percent. Ninety-five percent of the students tested passed the reading/English Language Arts exam. Eighty-eight percent passed math and 86 percent passed science. • Mean score on the SAT was 1007 in 2007, with 69 percent of the seniors taking the test. • The district’s fund balance (savings) at the end of the 2006-07 school year was more than $45 million. (As of the end of fiscal year 2008, the balance is more than $52 million.) • Average teacher salary in 2007-08 was $46,973 and the average years of experience for teachers was 13. For a detail review of the AEIS report, go to http://www.comalisd.org/About_Us/Student_Perf ormance.asp. Three school board seats up for election in Comal ISD When teachers and faculty decided to have a Chili Cookoff at Rahe Bulverde Elementary, they didn’t have to ask this group of guys twice to be judges. Second-grade teacher Tricia Maynard came away with the top prize, and a potluck lunch with cornbread and desserts soon followed. Here (from left), Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker, school board trustee David Spencer, school board past-president Dan Krueger and school board president Bill Swint get ready to dig in to a steaming bowl of chili on Jan. 16. CMS student wins LOGOS competition Heather Hall, a seventh grader at Canyon Middle School, knows her vocabulary. She knows it so well she won the Third Annual LOGOS Competition presented by IKON Office Solutions at Trinity University. The contest is part of the Spurs Education Program. As the grand-prize winner at the seventh-grade level she received an electronic dictionary and a lot of well-deserved recognition. Hall had to win at the school level before advancing to the regional level of the contest. The final round was oral and intense. Special guest emcee was Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich. In the end, Hall prevailed. Her sister, Canyon Middle eighth grader Teresa Hall represented CMS as well and advanced far in the contest. Congratulations to both girls! The annual board of trustees’ election in the Comal Independent School District is Saturday, May 9. Candidates interested in filing for one of the three seats up for election can do so starting Monday, Feb. 9. Deadline to file is March 9. The school district is divided into seven single-member districts, each represented by a member of the board of trustees who serves a three-year term. For 2009, only single-member districts 1, 2 and 5 are up for election. Currently representing District 1 is Carolyn Miller who has been on the school board since her appointment to the board in 2007 to fill the vacancy left by Laura Kistner. Her area covers most of the Comal ISD within the city limits of New Braunfels. Dan Krueger, immediate past president of the board, represents District 2 and has been on the board for 15 years. His area covers Gruene, the area north on FM 306 and Sattler. District 5, represented by Carol Keller, is the third seat up for election this year. Keller was elected to the school board in 2006. Her area includes parts of the Spring Branch, Bulverde and Smithson Valley areas. People interested in filing for one of the seats must be registered voters, live in the singlemember district they are filing for, and have been residents of the district for six months. Voter registration cards tell each patron their single-member district number. Applications for a place on the ballot, or additional information, are available from the CISD Central Office, 1404 IH 35 North, New Braunfels. For more information call 830-2212000/830-885-1791. The following are detailed boundary descriptions of single-member districts 1, 2, and 5. For maps of the districts visit www.comalisd.org/About_Us/Board_District_Maps.asp. School Board Meeting Calendar 2/26/2009 3/12/2009 3/19/2009 Thursday Thursday Thursday Support Services Support Services Support Services Board Meeting Workshop Board Meeting All meetings begin at 6:00 PM. During the audience participation portion of each regular meeting, the public may address the Board on any subject not posted on the agenda, provided they have followed the proper procedures. “Caring for pets is what we do; it’s as simple as that. In fact, I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. I think it comes through in the care we give.” Kirk S. Kothmann, DVM Offering A Wide Range Of Services For Your Pet: • Vaccinations • Dentistry • Spay/Neuter • Geriatrics • Nutrition • General Surgery • Pharmacy • Boarding • Grooming • In-House Lab & X-Rays • Flea Control 830-438-7200 29760 U.S. Hwy. 281 N. • Bulverde www.bulverdeanimalhospital.com visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 7 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 8 Second-Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance at SVHS sure to be a hit Smithson Valley High will once again give fathers a chance to bond with their daughters at a fun event. The second-annual Daddy-Daughter Dance will take place at SVHS on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the school’s cafeteria, from 7-9:30 p.m. The idea was first proposed by Smithson Valley High principal Chris Trotter, who told a SVHS Peer Assistance and Leadership student (PALs) he would like to have someplace special to take his daughter for Valentine’s Day. That statement set the wheels in motion, and more than 120 daddies and daughters attended last year’s dance. “Dads are always off working, and sometimes don’t get a chance to bond with their daughters and spend quality time with them,” said SVHS senior Emily Kroger, who is helping organize this year’s event with PALs. “We really wanted to keep it going after the success we had last year.” The event will include dance lessons, make and take projects, light refreshments, and photo opportunities by Sam Roberts Photography. The dance committee will also be selling hand-made boutonnieres and corsages as well as tiaras at the dance to save participants a trip to the local stores. Old-fashioned car rides for an additional fee are also planned. Music ranging from Glenn Miller to the Chicken Dance, line dancing to two-stepping will be on the play list. “I volunteered last year and it was a blast,” said Imanne AlQuarqaz, a SVHS senior who is organizing the dance along with Kroger. “It’s always fun to dress up, and it’s great to spend quality time with your dad, so I’m hoping we have an even bigger turnout this year.” All daddy-daughter couples in the community, no matter their ages, are encouraged to attend. Tickets are only $20 per couple. Additional daughters are $5. Tickets purchased at the door are $25 per couple. Trotter said he would definitely be taking his daughter Kaylee, a fifth-grader at Bill Brown Elementary, back to the DaddyDaughter Dance. “There are a group of fathers who have daughters at Bill Brown Elementary, and I know we’ll all be going to the dance,” Trotter said. “We had such a good time last year, we wouldn’t miss it.” For more information on how to purchase tickets, email [email protected] or [email protected], or call PALs sponsor and SVHS teacher Cricket Ingraham at (830) 885-1064. TPES students get fit Timberwood Park Elementary School students selected as “Get Fit with Bruce and Buddy” winners from the 1st semester of school: BACK ROW: Olivia Chuber, Leah Whitaker, Joshua Gilliam, Austin Fitzmorris, William Robertson, Dylan Wollmerhauser; MIDDLE ROW: Caitlin Mansker, Rebecca Harrell, Alyssa Marin, Anika McGarity, Brant Gault; FRONT ROW: Ben Gonzalez, Jagger Edwards, Blaine Luirette, Will Strachan, Hailey Gray. The program aims to fight childhood obesity in San Antonio. It recognizes students who make good, healthy choices with nutrition and fitness. Spurs star Bruce Bowen created the idea for GET FIT and partnered with HEB to make the program a reality. Nominated by teachers, students are then picked by a Spurs selection committee and Bowen. Winners receive a T-shirt, free Spurs tickets, and other goodies. Far right: TPES “Get Fit with Bruce and Buddy” winners. Middle: Dylan Wollmerhauser with Bruce Bowen Right: Will Strachan with Bowen AquATIC SCIenCe ADvenTuRe CAMPS SUMMER 2009 One-Week or 2-day sessions JUNE - AUGUST Students Ages 9-15 Learn about aquatic biology and water chemistry. Also, tubing, swimming, river, rafting, scuba/snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides at Aquarena Center, a trip to Sea World and more! edwards Aquifer Research & Data Center Texas State University San Marcos l (512) 245-2329 www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html 8 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 9 D.A.R.E graduations held across Comal ISD By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. The first-ever graduation held at Morningside Elementary was one that will have a lasting impact on its students. Fifth-grade students not only at MES but at elementary campuses across Comal ISD spent the week graduating from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. During the course of each 12-week program, taught to Comal ISD fifth graders each year since the 1980s, D.A.R.E. officers stress the importance of making healthy decisions and choosing friends wisely, and the dangers of tobacco, marijuana, alcohol, bullying and peer pressure. Students met for one hour per week for D.A.R.E classes during the program. When first-year D.A.R.E. officer Homero Balderas, a Comal County Sherriff’s deputy, asked Morningside Elementary students what day it was shortly before the graduation ceremony began, they shouted in unison, “It’s D.A.R.E. day!” “This is very exciting,” Balderas said. “It makes it all worth while. That’s what we’re here for – to see kids start this program and finish it.” Comal ISD Sherriff’s Department Capt. Ed Witson has seen the D.A.R.E. program grow through the years. “It seems to get bigger and better every school year,” Witson said. “It’s a great program. We see students coming visit www.comalisd.org Morningside Elementary students resist the subtle and overt pressures that back to us many years down the road, walked across the stage in the school’s cause them to experiment with drugs or young men and women who are now cafeteria to receive their graduation become involved in gangs or violent working and doing well in the commudiplomas – slapping hi-fives and swapactivities. nity, telling us how much they appreciping hugs with D.A.R.E. mascot Darin Balderas’ teaching methods have ated the D.A.R.E. program.” in the process. certainly impressed MES’ teachers. Although Balderas doesn’t have “We really want to thank Officer “He truly respects the kids, and that much D.A.R.E. experience, he’s already Balderas,” said MES fifth-grader J.C. shows up in the classroom,” said MES starting to see how much of an impact Sanchez. “A lot of people on this camthe program has on the lives of students. fifth-grade teacher Madonna Binney. pus respect him. He would come sit “He gave the students a solid founda“I see them at places like football down, eat lunch with us, and just talk. I tion to make good decisions if a friend games and Wassailfest, and even at the think it’s an awesome program.” or family member is ever using drugs.” store, and they come up to me and tell their parents, ‘That’s my D.A.R.E. officer,’” Balderas said. “It makes me feel great and it gives them a sense that law enforcement officers are approachable.” D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and is now implemented in 75 percent of the school districts in the U.S. and 43 countries worldwide. The D.A.R.E. curriculum is designed to be taught by police officers whose training and experience gives them the background needed to answer the sophisticated questions often posed by Morningside Elementary fifth-grade student Darin congratulated Morningside Elementary young students. Ricky Castaneda gives Drug Abuse Resistance student Rubi Lozano and the rest of her fifthThe program’s goal is Education (D.A.R.E) program mascot Darin a grade classmates on D.A.R.E. graduation day. to give children the skills big hug. The school held its D.A.R.E. graduaneeded to recognize and tion ceremony on Dec. 17. need A Job? DO YOu enJOY WORKIng WITh KIDS? The Comal ISD School Age Child Care Program is looking for outgoing and responsible individuals to work for our child care programs at many of our elementary schools. You must be 17 years of age or older, have reliable transportation And be able to work M-F between the hours of 2:15 and 6:15pm Starting pay is between $7 to $8 an hour based on experience and education For information about job openings at schools in your area please call 830-221-2176 SchooLife - February 2009 - 9 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 10 CLHS students “adopt” RCES counterparts Over the holidays, the Canyon Lake High student council organized an adopt-a-child program where classes raised money to buy gifts for pre-K students at Rebecca Creek Elementary. Each class also held a party for their child, where they opened the gifts that were purchased especially for them. The children also got to visit Santa. Both the Rebecca Creek students and Canyon Lake students had a wonderful time. The older students really enjoyed hosting the “little ones,” and realized how good it feels to do something nice for someone else. The entire event was organized by student council officers Andrea Drum, Jessica Watson, and Ashley Beiring. Tickled Tastebuds at Taste of the Towns Helaina Vera serves sister and brother tandem Danielle and Tyler Keranen samples of spicy chicken tenders during the Comal ISD Taste of the Town at Timberwood Park Elementary on Jan. 13. Timberwood Park Elementary fourth-grade student Sophie Hennessy receives a hug from Elsie the Cow during the Comal ISD Taste of the Town at TPES on Jan. 13. This free showcase of food samples provided a chance for attendees to offer input on the menu items to be served in school cafeterias during the 2009-2010 school year. Jentz attends state convention During the fall semester, Smithson Valley High freshman Jordan Jentz traveled to downtown Austin to attend the Texas Junior State Fall State Convention. There, approximately 500 students and teachers from throughout Texas and neighboring states gathered at the Sheraton Austin to debate and discuss issues centered around the theme “From Promises to Policy: Making the Next Move.” Congratulations Jordan, on being included among some of the very brightest young minds in the state and beyond. 10 - SchooLife - February 2009 Child Nutrition personnel from Canyon High School (left to right) Rosie Raun and Darlene Stephens, kick back and enjoy tasty treats during the Comal school district’s annual Taste of the Town Mini Food Show event. On January 14 at Church Hill Middle, these ladies were offered foods ranging from Chinese cuisine to Dippin’ Dots. Vendors throughout the area served their products to get public feedback on future foods to be served at local campuses. The annual Taste of the Town Mini-Food Show held at Church Hill Middle included dozens of food vendors, like Quality Star Products, and all of their food items under consideration for next year’s cafeteria menu. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 11 SVHS Ag mechanics restoring 1940 tractor Students in Wayne Dietert’s Agriculture Mechanics class at Smithson Valley High are restoring a 1940 model Farmall Tractor. They are planning to exhibit the tractor in the upcoming San Antonio Livestock Show Ag. Mechanics Contest, which will be held Feb. 21-22, and in the Comal County Junior Livestock Show Ag. Mechanics contest later this spring. Pictured are (from left to right) Matt Taylor, John Gaitan, Justin Fryar, Duston Hazel, Coker Moeller, Aaron Weber, Allen Sampson, and Dillon Sampson. NASCAR driver cruises into RCES Rebecca Creek Elementary students and faculty were treated to a visit from top-ranked NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racer David Starr. Students listened as Starr spoke about the value of education and goal setting. He is living his dream and encourages others to do the same. Students also had a chance to ask Starr questions about the thrilling sport of racing. SVMS art displayed at Broadway Bank’s “gallery” Broadway Bank was proud to display the talented artwork of Smithson Valley Middle School 8thgrade students, under the direction of Holly Kennedy. The artwork was on display during the month of January. Pictured here reviewing the various pieces were, from left, SVMS asst. principal Jana Cervantes, Broadway Banker Debbie White, Kennedy, and Broadway Banker Melody Peckens. visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 11 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 12 Ana Rebeca Summer Malagamba Gault Art Teacher Physical Education Teacher FAMILY: My husband, Terry and our three children, Brant, Cade and Bralyn FAMILY: My cheerleader daughters Regina 19, and Ilse 17 PeTS: Sarah, our dachshund/German shepherd cross. She’s a big dog on little legs PeTS: My babies Alusha and Maya, two really cute Westies WheRe YOu gReW uP: I grew up on a ranch just south of Victoria in south Texas ALMA MATeR (college): The University of Texas at San Antonio DegReeS: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology ChILDhOOD AMBITIOn: To play college basketball and be an FBI agent hOW LOng hAve YOu Been A TeACheR? This is my 10th year to teach. I spent the first 7 coaching and teaching at the high school level, and now here I am in the elementary. What an amazing place! FAvORITe BOOK: I enjoy authors Richard Paul Evans and Nicholas Sparks. FAvORITe FOOD: Fresh fruits and home grown vegetables. FAvORITe vACATIOn: Our annual family trip to the beach. I love to sit back and watch my husband and children enjoy themselves while listening to the calming sound of the waves. It gives me time to reflect on how truly blessed I am. ALL-TIMe FAvORITe MOvIe: That is hard because I am not a big movie watcher but my favorites include: The “Sound of Music” “Gone with the Wind” and more recently “Miracle” hOBBIeS: Recently I have gotten into genealogy and making photo books WhAT WOuLD YOu Be IF YOu WeRen’T A TeACheR An FBI agent or a crime scene investigator. Timberwood Park Elementary YOuR PROuDeST MOMenT AS A TeACheR TO DATe? I would have to say that there have been many moments that have made me proud to do what I do. Whether it be coaching an amazing group of young women in a playoff game, reading their thank you letters as I left coaching, or just seeing the look on a kindergarten students face when they learn something new, this is an awesome job to be able to impact chilSchool dren’s lives daily in such an amazing way. WheRe YOu gReW uP: El Paso and Mexico City ALMA MATeR (college): Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City DegReeS: BA in Graphic Design (Valedictorian) ChILDhOOD AMBITIOn: To travel around the world and visit places. That hasn’t changed one bit! hOW LOng hAve YOu Been A TeACheR? Two years in Mexico City and 2 years in Texas FAvORITe BOOK: History and mystery books in general FAvORITe FOOD: “Tacos al Pastor” and “Lindt” White Chocolate Truffles (quite fattening, I’m afraid) FAvORITe vACATIOn: ANY vacation! “ ALL-TIMe FAvORITe MOvIe: “Pan’s Labyrinth” and “Children of Heaven,” this last one is a great movie for teachers to watch. hOBBIeS: Crafting (of course), sewing, reading a good book, watching American and foreign films and listening to classical music WhAT WOuLD YOu Be IF YOu WeRen’T A TeACheR? I would love to have a TV show to introduce children to arts and crafts. I would also like to be a curator for a museum or a masterpiece restorer. YOuR PROuDeST MOMenT AS A TeACheR TO DATe? Every day I am exposed to the magic of my students’ artwork. They are always in a hurry to take it home and show it to their parents; or they will ask me to hang it in our Morningside Museum of Art for everyone to enjoy. It makes me very proud to see how confident they are for having done Morningside such a good job! Summer Gault exemplifies the professionalism and passion of the teachers at Timberwood Park Elementary. Summer routinely seeks creative ways to incorporate parents, the community and teachers into the physical education program. Fun Family Fitness Hour for parents and students along with a two day presentation by the San Antonio Diablos hockey team are just a few of the countless ways Summer includes school stakeholders. Additionally, Summer works tirelessly to incorporate grade level TEKS into her curriculum to support classroom learning. Finally, Summer has written, Sean Maika Jodi Cox and is in the process of writing, several grants to various entities to obtain unique proPrincipal Principal grams for our students at Timberwood. The children of Timberwood Park Elementary are Timberwood Park Elementary Morningside Elementary fortunate to have a passionate, caring teacher like Summer touch their lives each week. Elementary School Morningside Elementary is so blessed to have Rebeca Malagamba as its art teacher. The relationship she has with art students, along with her passion for the subject allows her to pull from the students magnificent pieces of art. Projects from each and every class fill the Morningside Museum of Art, the most visited place on campus. She is truly a team player, and never says no to the many requests she receives for banner designs, card designs, and other special projects. Her contributions to the Morningside campus are numerous, and greatly enhance the culture and learning environment for our students, staff, and community. GVTC honors January SchooLife teachers of the month GVTC was proud to honor the SchooLife teachers of the month for January recently. (Pictured left) At Startzville Elementary, pre-kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Salazar was surrounded by her students, principal Dr. Denise Kern, and Ola Armstrong from GVTC, as she received her gift card, plaque, and basket of flowers. (Pictured right) At Bill Brown Elementary, Principal Ross McGlothlin, rear left, and Armstrong were on hand to honor first-grade teacher Janet Keller as her students looked on. Congratulations to these very special teachers! 12 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 13 Students on their way to Hollywood in CLHS’ Film Production Class By Jason Gordon, Comal ISD Communications Dept. There was a murder recently in the hallways of Canyon Lake High, and it took a group of topnotch student-sleuths less than five minutes to solve it. Don’t run searching the papers for terrible news you might have missed, the fictional mystery story was born from the mind of Ray Brown, a junior student in Sherri Painter’s “Multi Media – Advanced Film Production” class. “Fallacy” was then turned into a shortfilm, which lasts four minutes, 39 seconds. “They turned it from a blank piece of paper into a finished product,” Painter said. “I facilitated and guided them, but they did all the work.” Brown also directed the film, which included actors from the class and extras from Painter’s other classes. Jesse Hobbs was the cinematography director, Stryder Fike produced the film, and Richard Herbsleb created the musical score. The production came complete with an editing Students in Sherri Painter’s “Multi Media – Advanced Film Production” class at Canyon Lake High (back row, l-r) Jesse Hobbs, Zak Smith, Ray Miller, (front row) Ray Brown and Chris Stamnitz are busy editing film. The class made the short film “Fallacy,” which was entered in the South by Southwest Film Festival. visit www.comalisd.org team – Stuart Olsen, Chris Stamnitz, Zak Smith, Fike and Brown. The class shot the film and stayed to edit on a Saturday. They used Apple programs Final Cut Pro, Soundtrack Pro and Garage Band 3 in the process. The class sent the finished movie to the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin and entered it in the high school experimental category. “I had several people look at the film who know something about the industry, and they said it was high quality for the level of experience these kids have,” Painter said. “It’s a great feeling as a teacher to see your students working together and putting their hearts into a project and come out with a great product.” Students, who have to first take Painter’s “Video Technology” class as a prerequisite to “Advanced Film Production,” are already thinking ahead to their next project, as well as to the future. “I really had no idea what this class was going to be all about, but it got interesting very quickly,” said Chris Stamnitz, who played Detective Matthews in “Fallacy.” “It’s the best class I’ve ever had in school because it’s so tech oriented. I’ve always been much better with computers than a pen and paper.” Painter’s classroom was one of the first Apple computer labs in the Comal ISD. Her students use two different models of Mac computers, iMacs and Mac Pro Towers, to create their project. “You get so much hands-on technology in this class, it’s amazing,” Hobbs said. “We have everything we need to produce a film right here, all we need is a script.” Students will next attempt to complete a film within a 24-hour period for Apple’s Insomnia Film Festival, in February. “We have so much freedom in this class,” Brown said. “Each project is our own vision and I think that’s why it’s so appealing. Whether it’s acting, producing, editing, or working with technological equipment, there’s no limit on what you can achieve.” The students in Painter’s class have certainly grabbed the attention of Canyon Lake High principal Cheryl Koury. “What they’ve accomplished is definitely impressive,” Koury said. “It’s a class that has a goal of working hard to learn and accomplish everything they can, and that comes across in the work they produce.” It should come as no surprise that several students in Painter’s class are considering entering film school after they graduate from CLHS. “I think a lot of us have found something we really like here,” said Fike. “Everybody has their own important part in the making of a film, and that’s something that’s really appealing.” View “Fallacy,” at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=InegBU4TPa0 SchooLife - February 2009 - 13 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 14 Three essay writers earn VFW scholarships Retreat helps CHS students improve campus Congratulations to these students at Smithson Valley High who were recognized in the VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest. Each student entered an essay, and Amanda Falcon won first place and a scholarship of $500, Lindsay Kelsey won second place and a scholarship of $300 and Samantha Wagner won third place and a scholarship of $200. In addition, Layla Abed and Kelly Day earned honorable mention. Pictured from left to right are SVHS teacher Gloria Wolfshohl, VFW Post 8800 Commander Paul Nees, Comal ISD Advanced Academics and Fine Arts Director Dolly Adams, Kelsey, Falcon, Abed, Day, Wagner, SVHS assistant principal Chris Smith, FVW Ladies Auxiliary President Susan Nees, and VFW Scholarship Committee Chairperson Louise Lagutchik. SVHS students lend voices to All-Area Choir Congratulations to Smithson Valley High seniors Rebekah Kreiger (Soprano I) and Willie Ebrom (Tenor II), who qualified for the All-Area Choir. 14 - SchooLife - February 2009 Fourteen Canyon High Student Council members attended the District 18 Winter Retreat. The retreat focused on the training of students in the R.S.V.P. Program, which focuses on getting students in school, as a whole, involved in making the decisions that affect a campus. Reagan Rodriguez, a sophomore at CHS who attended the retreat, had this to say about the experience. “I learned a lot this weekend, especially with the R.S.V.P. program which stands for Raising Students Voices and Participation. We learned how to brainstorm and work together toward a common cause, to say “yes, and” instead of “but” when we discuss issues, and we also played several team-building games. Overall it was a good experience and I know I can take some positive things back to my school.” Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 15 STZES computer training in Eduphoria These third-grade teachers at Startzville Elementary are all smiles as they train on their new Mac laptops. Each certified teacher received a laptop to use from the district’s technology initiative. The computers are equipped with Eduphoria, a district-wide, multi-faceted computer program which helps teachers with lesson planning, signing up for workshops, looking at student grades, test scores, and learning data, and other information helpful to teaching students. Here, Terri Firth, Kaci Gibbons, Theresa Ricker and Matt Herzog get more specific training so they can take advantage of the many benefits of the Eduphoria program while using their laptops. “My Fair Lady” staged at CHS Canyon High theater students (from left) Justin Hinojosa as Professor Henry Higgins, Zoe Miller as Eliza Doolittle, and Ben Culpepper as Col. Pickering, were part of a cast and crew performing “My Fair Lady” at the CHS Cafetorium recently. This rags-to-eloquence story, one of the richest and most intelligent comedies ever produced, was a big hit. Arlon Seay Elementary wins Target Field Trip Arlon Seay Elementary was recently awarded $800 from the 2009 “Target A Field Trip Grant” to be used for its 5th grade field trip “First Hand Learning In the Classroom of Life.” Fifth-graders will be going to the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center and participating in hands-on activities involving erosion, aquatic life, soil filtration, watersheds, and much more. Congratulations Arlon Seay! visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 15 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 16 Nelson named to All-District football team Congratulations to junior Eric Nelson, Canyon Lake High’s first-ever All-District football selection. Nelson was named firstteam receiver and second-team defensive back on the All-District 8-3A squad during the Hawks’ inaugural varsity season this past fall. Here, Nelson is pictured with the CLHS coaching staff. In addition, fellow CLHS players Joe Shone, Ross Wagilardo, Drew Riccio, Cody Dugan, Bobby Flint and Chris Kopecky were named honorable mention. Santa’s little elf at MES Alexis Campos (pictured right), a first-grade student in Sarah Haynes’ class at Morningside Elementary, certainly learned the lesson that giving is more rewarding than receiving during the holiday season. Campos was upset that not every student was able to purchase an item during a recent book fair, so by raising her money herself and through a donation from GVTC, Campos bought 35 Curious George books and stuffed animals to hand out right before the holiday break. 16 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 17 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 17 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 18 18 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 19 We remember Cadet Leslie Valdez Canyon High School Air Force JROTC cadets formed at the school’s flagpole recently to honor fallen Cadet Leslie Valdez who tragically lost her life in an automobile accident on Christmas Day. The corps commander and her staff organized a memorial service in her honor. Corps Commander Cadet 2nd Lt. Shineese Martinez addressed the Corps of Cadets. “Good morning cadets, today, we gather here at the flagpole to remember Cadet TSgt Leslie Valdez who tragically died in an automobile accident Christmas morning. We will always remember her as a member of the TX-20015 Corps of Cadets. We raise the flag today as our final tribute to Leslie.” After the ceremony the cadets promptly marched to the AFJROTC classroom. “I am proud of our Corps for taking the time to pay tribute to a fellow cadet. The cadets truly displayed their compassion and camaraderie,” said Major (Ret) Kevin Cregier, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor. In remembrance of CHS Air Force JROTC Cadet Leslie Valdez, her comrades organized a memorial service and the colors were flown at CHS in honor of her. (From right to left) Cadet TSgt Travis Knight steadies the lanyards in preparation for the presentation of the colors. Preparing the Texas Flag is Cadet SSgt Justin Ganshaw. TPES students invent balloon popper Timberwood Park Elementary SAGE classes recently held a Rube Goldberg Invention Convention. Here, students jump back as their elaborate invention designed to pop a balloon proves it works. visit www.comalisd.org Santa Claus comes to school Children enrolled in the Comal ISD School Age Child Care program (SACC) received a visit from Santa before the holiday break. Each site at all the elementary schools had a Christmas party that included hot chocolate and pajamas. Santa gave a bag of goodies to each child and a great time was had by all. Pictured here, are SACC students from Comal Elementary, Freiheit Elementary and Morningside Elementary. Entertaining the board Comal Elementary fifth graders performed several of their favorite holiday songs, under the direction of Paulette Davis, at the beginning of the December school board meeting. After their performance, school board members personally thanked the students for sharing their time and talent during the busy season. SchooLife - February 2009 - 19 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 20 Homemade roller coaster Rebekah DeLaCruz, a sixthgrade student in Debbie Bumgardner’s class at Mountain Valley Middle School, gets ready to launch a marble down her roller coaster the “Canyon Lake Rocket.” Students made roller coasters out of household items like cardboard, plastic tubing and poster board for a project that explored energy transformation. SVHS PALs Making a difference Paper Products Benefiting the Comal County Children’s Shelter Smithson Valley High School Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) students Eric Madden, Audrey Dally, and Michelle Reininger head a service project known as the PALs Paper Products in which they hand-make greeting cards for all occasions. The group plans to sell their creations every 2nd Tuesday of the month, January through May, in order to benefit the Comal County Children’s Shelter. “Please, if you are interested in hand-made cards, this is the place to be,” said Reininger. All are encouraged to participate, and the proceeds go directly to the Children’s Shelter. “We put a lot of time into each card, and I think it gives them a more personal feel,” Dally said. The group had been designing their own line of greeting cards all summer long. Each card includes an envelope and a blank inside for personalization, along with its decorative face. “You don’t see many hand-made items anymore, so much pride is taken in each as well as knowing we’re helping the kids in our community,” Madden added. The cards are sold individually for $1.25 or in packages of 4 for $5.00. Tables will be set up every 2nd Tuesday from 7:50-8:20 a.m., and 4:00-4:20 p.m. at Smithson Valley High School (outside room A-174). For more information, contact Eric Madden (210) 639-9079, Audrey Dally (210) 748-2106, Michelle Reininger (210) 771-1874, or Cricket Ingraham at (830) 885-1064 and [email protected]. 20 - SchooLife - February 2009 Women’s Self-Defense Class PALs Carrie Franklin, Blake Given, and Michael Beiter held the second Women’s SelfDefense Class on Oct. 9th. The class was held in the SVHS cheer gym without any charge for those attending. Master Sergeant C.D. Martinez, or “Master Gunny,” taught the self-defense class, having years of experience in martial arts and self-defense. The class turned out to be quite successful, and if you are interested in possibly attending a future class, which will be open to the public, contact P.C “Cricket” Ingraham at (830) 885-1064 and [email protected] or Carrie Franklin at (210) 845-3116 Winter Wonderland Fashion Show The Winter Wonderland Fashion Show, under the direction of PALs students Roni Morales, Alix Lake, Lauren Rothman, Natalie Belknap, and Lauren Hodges, was a big hit. On Dec. 13th, the PALs organized a beneficial Fashion Show, sponsored by Dress Barn and Bealls, that helped raise over $1,300 for Communities in Schools (CIS). Other donations made by HEB, Chili’s, Sassy Spur, Bucketheads, Embassy Golf, BJ’s, Starbucks, Office Max, Super S Foods, La Madeleine, and Tractor Supply, were used in a silent auction that also added to the overall funds raised by the group. “We can’t be more exited with our results this year; we only hope that next year will be just as great!” replied Morales. The PALs would like to thank everyone who helped make this special night possible. It turned out to be so much more than just a Winter Wonderland. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 21 FES girls bond on ROPES course 2nd Timberwood Park Elem., 3rd Grade Fun Family Fitness Hour, Gym, 6:30 pm 2nd – 6th National School Counseling Week 3rd Canyon Middle, NJHS meeting, 7:45 am 3rd & 4th Hoffmann Lane Elem., Jump Rope for Heart, Gym 4th - Church Hill Middle, 8th Grade Presentation from Canyon High, 2:30 pm - Timberwood Park Elem., PTA Board Meeting, Library, 6 pm - Church Hill Middle, PTA Board Meeting, 6:30 pm 5th -Freiheit Elem. PTA General Meeting, Cafeteria, 6:30 pm -Canyon Middle, Cheer Showcase, Smithson Valley HS, 7 pm 6th -Canyon Middle, Yearbook sponsored Valentine’s Day Dance, Commons, 5 pm -Canyon High Electives Fair, Canyon High, 6 pm -Canyon Lake High and Mt. Valley Middle, Choir Concert, Canyon Lake HS Auditorium, 7 pm 7th - Church Hill Middle, Band Jazz Contest, Texas State University - Timberwood Park Elem., Dad’s Club 2nd Pancake Breakfast, Cafeteria, 8 am - Smithson Valley High, Daddy Daughter Dance, Cafeteria, 7 pm 9th - 1st Day to File in School Board Election for Single Member Districts 1, 2 & 5, Support Services - Church Hill Middle, High School Electives Fair for 8th Grade, 6 pm - Hoffmann Lane Elem., PTA Board Meeting, 6:30 pm - Smithson Valley High, Winter Band Concert, Cafeteria, 6:30 pm - Timberwood Park Elem., 2nd Grade Fun Family Fitness Hour, Gym, 6:30 pm 11th – 14th TEMA and All State Concerts, Convention Center in San Antonio visit www.comalisd.org 11th Freiheit Elementary, Class Picture Day 13th - Comal ISD Progress Reports Issued - Goodwin Frazier Elem., PTA Movie Night, Gym, TBA 16th Comal ISD Holiday or Bad Weather Make-Up Day 18th Canyon High, Winter Sports Banquet, NB Kongresshalle, 6 pm 20th - Comal PTA Council Meeting, GVTC, 11:30 am - Timberwood Park Elem., Dad’s Club Movie Night, 6:30 pm 21st Canyon Middle, Super Saturday with Science, 8:45 am 22nd & 23rd Smithson Valley High, National Forensic League, NFL District in San Antonio 23rd Timberwood Park Elem., 1st Grade Fun Family Fitness Hour, Gym, 6:30 pm 24th - Mt. Valley Middle, Spring Individual Pictures - Smithson Valley Middle, Spring Pictures - Canyon Middle, Electives Fair and State of the Schools, Canyon Middle, 6 pm - Smithson Valley High, Cheerleading Parent Meeting, Library, 6 pm 25th Hoffmann Lane Elem., Reflections Award Ceremony, Café, 1:30 pm 26th - Comal ISD Board of Trustees Meeting, Support Services, 6 pm - Mt. Valley Middle, Talent Show, Cafeteria, 6 pm - Timberwood Park Elem., Kinder & 1st Grade Program, 6:30 pm 28th Canyon Middle, UIL Tournament of Champions, Smithson Valley Middle, 7:30 am Fifth-graders at Freiheit Elementary participating in the Girls Leadership Group recently visited the Seguin Outdoor Learning Center ROPES course. Here, they are seen using “Texas Skis” to learn team-building skills. Learning in action at CES Students in Karen Whitman’s fourth-grade class at Comal Elementary have been learning all about Native Americans and Texas pioneers. Here, Amanda Brossman, Mya Shannon, Shelby Steinbach, and Amber Norris are shown making homemade butter using whipping cream, just as early Texas pioneers did. Angels disguised as cheerleaders at CHS The Canyon High cheerleaders adopted a Head Start class for the holidays and surprised the young children with toys, clothes, and all kinds of holiday wishes before the winter break. The CHS students raised almost $2,000 for the event through the sponsorship of T-shirt sales and vet clinics. Then, they went shopping and followed the wish list of youngsters attending the federally-funded program in New Braunfels. Smiles, cheers and holiday hugs were shared by all as the cheerleaders brought joy to the young students! Days, times & locations of events are subject to change SchooLife - February 2009 - 21 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 22 ASES teacher deserves a lot of “credit” Lori Moczygemba, a teacher at Arlon Seay Elementary, won a $500 scholarship from Firstmark Credit Union in recognition of her outstanding efforts in educating children. This money was given to her personally, but Moczygemba used it to purchase books for the Arlon Seay Elementary literacy library. What a truly awesome teacher! RCES Reflections Contest Winners Primary Winners in Literature Entries: Jacqueline Brown- Award of Excellence for “Love” (poem) Intermediate Winner for Literature Entries: Rosaleah Stammler- Award of Excellence for “I can make a difference by.....” (prose) Rosaleah Stammler- Award of Excellence for “I can make a difference by.....” (poem) Arianna Alola- Award of Excellence for “Helping Others Out” (poster/poem) Middle/Junior Winners for Literature Entries: Madison McDonough- Honorable Mention for “Dont Reserve your best behavior” Hannah Graves- Honorable Mention for “How I can make a difference” Andrew Schlossbauer- Honorable Mention for “I can make a difference by trying to help stop bullying” Fayetha Hall- Honorable Mention for “ Sometimes we dont realize how blessed we are” Ashley Engbrook- Award of Excellence for “Everyone on this earth...” Justin Monfils- Award of Excellence for “Saving the World” McGuire Johnson- Award of Excellence for “I think I could make a difference by doing.....” John Crawford- Award of Excellence for “Bullying” Trevor Lujan- Award of Excellence for “Helping the earth is important” Madison Bearden- Award of Excellence for “Peace Corps” Primary Winners for Visual Arts Entries: McKayla Mason- Honorable Mention for “The cutest daisy” Zoie Carson- Award of Merit for “Rainbows and flowers” Jacqueline Brown- Award of Merit for “No tree chopping” Jacqueline Brown- Award of Excellence for “Being Me” Emily May- Award of Excellence for “Sharing Love” Niaya Ramirez- Honorable Mention for “Picking up litter” Maggie LeStourgeon-Award of Excellence for “Helping grandma” Caimen McDonough-Award of Merit for “At the lake” Jesse Wiggins- Award of Merit for “China painting” Timothy Scott Brown- Honorable Mention for “Take good care of the lake” Timothy Scott Brown- Award of Excellence for “Smile” He was also awarded Best Inter. of Theme for the artwork as well. CHS students attend inauguration Written by Rebecca Allen CHS Cougar Tracks Editor According to Canyon’s 31 students and chaperones who attended, the Inauguration of 2009 was an experience transcending words. The Washington Post said it best: “TV anchors, reporters, and commentators groped for suitable words, but no words could really equal the impact of the pictures.” These pictures could in no way equal the impact of the experience. For this motivated group, the day began with breakfast at 4:30 a.m., followed by a 45-minute drive into Washington D.C. The group, along with millions of others, trekked an hour or so to their designated viewing area, complete with jumbotrons and speakers. With an expected wait of approximately five hours, the group settled on the ground in a reported 8° wind chill. After several hours of cold stagnation, many began to seek temporary refuge in nearby museums; crowds congregated on the steps of the Smithsonian Institute, the Freer Museum of Art, and others. Inside the galleries of these museums natives of every state lined the walls, resting and sleeping under some of the nation’s most renowned exhibits and works of art. Around 11:30 a.m. the refugees within the museums began to dissipate, resuming their posts in the National Mall to witness the Inauguration, or lining the streets in preparation for the Inaugural Parade. “We were very cold and very excited,” senior Rosie Croteau said. “The hours between six and eleven were pretty tough, but after that people started getting pumped again.” Cheers like thunder erupted as Joseph Biden was introduced and then sworn in as the vice president by Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice John Paul Stevens. Aretha Franklin sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and a quartet of musicians from around the world performed a piece titled “Air and Simple Gifts.” As Barack Obama was announced, the lawns of Washington D.C. erupted into jubilant and elated applause. The presidential oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and America’s first president of color became a concrete reality. President Obama’s Inaugural Address was simple and honest, creating no façade, but rather directly recognizing each of America’s present obstacles. To conclude the ceremonies, the National Anthem was played, and the mobile millions hurried to return to buses, museums, and refreshment lines. While the cold climate quickly drove many out of the vast fields, many agree that the day, while trying, was far beyond memorable. “It was very hectic, but very patriotic, and definitely a once in a lifetime experience,” senior Taylor Gardenhire said. Other students present agreed with the evaluation. “It was intense, as well as very impressive,” Croteau said. Few words adequately express Inauguration 2009. In cases like this it may be most prudent to adhere to simplicity. “It was powerful,” Gardenhire said. Powerful in its ability to elate, powerful in its ability to silence, and powerful in its ability to both fulfill past dreams and inspire the birth of new ones. Intermediate Winners for Visual Arts Entries: Heath McDonough- Honorable Mention for “I can make a difference...” Anna Conkling- Award of Merit for “Love thy neighbor” Genesis Ramirez- Award of Excellence for “Locks of Love” She was also rewarded Best Inter. of Theme for that artwork as well. Nicole Moffit- Award of Excellence for “Spending time with injured animals” Rosaleah Stammler- Honorable Mention for “I would not want to live in a dirty place” Primary Winners for Musical Comp. Entries: Whitening Special $99 tttt Jacqueline Brown- Award of Excellence for “Love” Cosmetic Dentistry Sedation Dentistry Invisalign Braces Extended Hours Dr. Guy Peterson Enjoy quality dental care in a friendly, relaxed Hill Country setting. (830) 980-2869 • 2395 Bulverde Rd. #103 22 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 23 SVHS Gala set for March 14 at Anhalt Hall Elementary Schools Bill Brown Elementary Rahe Bulverde Elementary Principal: Ross McGlothlin Phone: (830) 885-1400 Email: [email protected] Comal Elementary Principal: Joni Coker Phone: (830) 837-7000 Email: [email protected] Freiheit Elementary Principal: Merrie Fox Phone: (830) 885-1600 Email: [email protected] Rebecca Creek Elementary Principal: Sharon Richardson Phone: (830) 885-1800 Email: [email protected] Arlon Seay Elementary Principal: Betsy Nash Phone: (830) 221-2700 Email: [email protected] Principal: Dr. Judy Murray Phone: (830) 885-8700 Email: [email protected] Goodwin Frazier Elementary Principal: Lyndon Langford Phone: (830) 221-2200 Email: [email protected] Specht Elementary Hoffmann Lane Elementary Startzville Elementary Principal: Linda Harlan Phone: (830) 885-1500 Email: [email protected] Principal: Janice Tubb Phone: (830) 221-2500 Email: [email protected] Morningside Elementary Principal: Jodi Cox Phone: (830) 837-7100 Email: [email protected] Middle Schools Canyon Middle Principal: Dr. Denise Kern Phone: (830) 885-8000 Email: [email protected] Timberwood Park Elementary Principal: Dr. Sean Maika Phone: (830) 885-8500 Email: [email protected] High Schools Canyon High Principal: Patti Vlieger Phone: (830) 221-2300 Email: [email protected] Church Hill Middle Principal: Dani Baylor Phone: (830) 221-2800 Email: [email protected] Principal: Brad Brown Phone: (830) 221-2400 Email: [email protected] Canyon Lake High Principal: Cheryl Koury Phone: (830) 885-1700 Email: [email protected] Smithson Valley High Principal: Chris Trotter Phone: (830) 885-1000 Email: [email protected] Mountain Valley Middle Principal: Scott Hammond Phone: (830) 885-1300 Email: [email protected] Memorial High Smithson Valley Middle Principal: Link Fuller Phone: (830) 885-1200 Email: [email protected] Spring Branch Middle Principal: Tammy Lind Phone: (830) 885-8800 Email: [email protected] Secondary - Alternative School Principal: Mark Kershner Phone: (830) 221-2900 Email: [email protected] Comal Discipline Center Principal: Karen Stevens Phone: (830) 221-2950 Email: [email protected] It will be here before you know it: Smithson Valley High School’s Annual Sports Fundraising Gala is March 14th at Anhalt Hall off of Hwy. 46 in Spring Branch. This event is sponsored by the Smithson Valley Athletic Booster Club and all profits go directly to ALL athletics at the high school. The support has been overwhelming. Businesses are gladly supporting the SVHS athletes by sponsoring this function and donating items for the silent and live auctions. Tickets are now available for $50 per person. Tables are also being sold. There are two types of tables: $1,000 tables which seat 10 people and guarantee you a reserved table in the main area, a gift, dinner and entertainment, and a $500 table which seats 6 people, includes the same perks as the $1,000 table, but is located in the silent auction area. For more information on how you can sponsor or purchase tickets, contact Lisa Richter, chairperson, at [email protected] or (210) 241-5721. IT’S EASY. IT’S FREE. Don’t be the last one to know about an event at your children’s school. Don’t be the last one to know about significant news in Comal ISD. Get in the loop by doing 2 things. 1. Subscribe to the district’s Hot News e-news listserv and get important email messages from your children’s schools and the district. 2. Subscribe to Comal ISD podcasts (mp3 files) delivered straight to iTunes. Visit www.comalisd.org and click on the Hot News ad on the left. To subscribe to our podcasts, visit http://www.comalisd.org/Podcast/ Podcast_Instructions.asp CISD Support Services 1404 IH 35 North, New Braunfels, 78130 Phone: (830) 221-2000 Superintendent: Dr. Marc Walker GradeSpeed Parent Connection Visit www.comalisd.org 1-800-FOR-GVTC www.gvtc.com visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 23 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 24 Five important factors when choosing New music store/movie rental shop a gym comes to Sattler Sense of Structure - The simple act of driving to the gym almost automatically makes you treat it with the importance of an errand. Between cell phones, computers, and 200 plus channels on the T.V., working out at home has become even less appealing. On the drive there, you can use the time to mentally orient yourself and prepare for your workout. Also, having paid for a membership means you have invested money into it, and would like to get as much return out of it as possible. Experts - If you are not yourself an exercise or fitness professional, it can do you a great service to take advantage of the considerable bank of knowledge from the trainers in your gym; they didn’t earn those certifications and degrees on the wall by doing sit-ups—. If you have any questions at all— whether you are running on the treadmill properly, hoisting the correct amount of resistance, or even how many times a week you should be doing your workout— the trainer is the person to ask. Make sure you check that your trainer has a Nationally-recognized certification. Some you can get on the internet, some are workshops with proctor-administered testing. Not all certifications are created equal. Price-Every fitness center has a different price. In San Antonio alone, you can buy a $12 membership and a $115 dollar one. What’s the difference? That depends on who you ask. Some offer pools and high-tech equipment, amenities that are very costly to provide. What matters to you should be your first consideration. Do you swim, play racquetball or tennis? Do you like to exercise in a class with others? Do you want the best equipment in the industry? Do you like a big facility or a more intimate one? What can you afford monthly? Remember, you’ll be paying the monthly fee every month so you need to be comfortable with the amount and feel that you’re getting your money’s worth. 24 - SchooLife - February 2009 Community - Having an exercise buddy definitely helps. Go to a gym often enough and you will come across the same people who regularly exercise at the same time as you. You might not have the same specific exercise goals, but you are there for the same purpose. People are there to get exercise, and not to talk about work or relationships or school. This is really helpful in getting you to focus, and keeps you from distracting your own mind with the mental clutter that builds up during the day. Equipment – This can be the most overlooked part of a club when taking a tour for the first time. If it’s clean, most people just accept it. There are currently 4 big name manufacturers who supply the majority of fitness equipment to all clubs in the world. Even the equipment that they offered 4 years ago was based on out-dated exercise science so there can be some big limitations to a club with 4-8 year old equipment. Ask your salesperson when the equipment was purchased, do a little research online and by all means, sit on the machine and try it for yourself. Atmosphere- When you walk in do you feel comfortable? One of the most common reasons people stop using their fitness club is a feeling that they’re not comfortable. Do the other members have similar fitness goals to you? Do you actually WANT to exercise when you walk in? Is the staff courteous and friendly? It may seem like a small consideration but it can have a BIG impact on your success or failure. Call or stop by Anytime Fitness today, and let certified personal trainer Chris Cavanagh or one of his highly trained staff, help you find the gym for you. Anytime Fitness has locations in Bulverde/Spring Branch (830.438-8971) and New Braunfels (830.625-5402). Call for more information. If you’re a musician living in Canyon Lake, you know how hard it is to find supplies for your musical instrument. Well, the wait is over! Movie Street & Music, located next door to Fox’s Pizza in Sattler, has a full service music store tucked inside. This part of the store is affectionately called “Band Central Station.” The other half of the store is dedicated to movie rentals, including the new Blu-Ray disks. Membership is free. In “Band Central Station” you’ll find guitars, brass, woodwinds, drums, keyboards, string instruments, amps and all the accessories that go along with the instrument you play. Movie Street & Music has it all. If they don’t have what you need, they’ll order it and in most cases have it there the next day. This is a music store owned and operated by a musician and set up for musicians. They offer friendly, knowledgeable service and reasonable prices. They have new and used instruments for sale. They accept trade-ins in good condition and consignments. Guitar and voice lessons are offered, as well as a recording studio for music production. Repairs are available at reasonable prices. The owners are Larry and Elizabeth Read. Larry is a seasoned recording artist and has written and produced several CD’s. He is also an award-winning recording engineer. His latest project was working for Nintendo and producing music for a recently released Wii game. Larry and Elizabeth invite you to stop by and do some pickin’ or just to say “hello.” Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 25 THE ALLERGY CORNER ASTHMA ger asthma as can extreme heat or humidity. Respiratory tract infections: Colds, flu, other viral infections and pneumonia can trigger asthma in some people. Written by Priyanka Gupta, M.D. and Frank C. Hampel Jr., M.D. Central Texas Allergy & Asthma What is asthma? Asthma is a lung condition that causes a person to have difficulty breathing. With there being close to nine million children in the United States that have asthma, that makes asthma the most common serious disease among children. Asthma causes an inflammation of the airways in the lungs. This inflammation causes swelling which makes it more difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. Asthmatics also get constriction of the smooth muscles that surround the airways which also makes them smaller. The combination of airway inflammation and muscle tightening narrows the airways and makes it difficult for air to move through. In most people with asthma, the difficulty with breathing only occurs intermittently. When this does happen, it is known as an asthma flareup or an asthma attack. A person having an asthma flare-up may cough, wheeze (make a whistling sound while breathing), be short of breath, and feel an intense tightness in their chest. An asthma flare-up can last for several hours or longer if a person does not use their asthma medications. When an asthmatic episode is over the person feels better and their lung functions can return to normal. However, many asthmatics lungs do not revert back to normal and they will have to be on daily medications possibly for the rest of their life. What Causes It? No one knows exactly what causes asthma. It’s thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic (hereditary) factors. Asthma symptoms can be brought on by dozens of different things, and what causes asthma flare-ups in one person might not bother another at all. The following are some of the common triggers: Allergens: Common allergens are dust mites, molds, pollen, animal dander, and cockroaches. Airborne irritants and pollutants: Such as chalk dust, perfumes, smog, cleaning solutions, or smoke. Exercise: Some people have what’s called exercise-induced asthma, which is triggered by physical activity. Even laughing, crying or yelling can trigger asthma. Weather: Cold or dry air can sometimes trig- How Do Doctors Diagnose Asthma? Many people with asthma are diagnosed with the condition during childhood, but others are diagnosed later as a teenager or as an adult. A doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam and may recommend that you do some tests. The most important test is spirometry that will evaluate your pulmonary functions, which indicates how well your lungs are performing. Your doctor may also recommend seeing an Allergist to perform allergy tests to see if allergies are contributing to your asthma symptoms. How Is It Treated? There’s no cure for asthma, but the condition can usually be managed and flare-ups can be prevented. Asthma is treated by two primary methods: avoiding potential triggers and with medications. Physicians treat every asthmatic individually because the severity of each person’s asthma and what triggers the symptoms are different. Doctors have a variety of medications at their disposal – they fall into two categories: Rescue medications These medications act fast to improve the symptoms, but they’re not long lasting and do not work on the inflammation, only the constriction. They are called a reliever medication, are for quick relief and are fast-acting. Controller medications For those asthmatics that require daily medications, they use medications that treat the airway inflammation. These controller medications are slower acting and can take days to begin working. These controller medications help to minimize any permanent lung changes that can occur with chronic asthma. Some asthmatics only require intermittent use of rescue medications, while others require a controller medication with occasional or daily rescue medications. The patient needs to work closely with a doctor to create an asthma action plan that’s right for them. If you have questions about asthma or other related topics, feel free to contact our office, Central Texas Allergy and Asthma, at (830) 609-0998. Our physicians, Dr. Frank C. Hampel, Jr., and Dr. Priyanka Gupta are well educated on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with asthma. BAM welcomes newest accomplished instructor The Bulverde Academy of Music would like to welcome and announce one of its newest instructors, Wanda Lydon on violin & viola. Lydon has been with our very own San Antonio Symphony for the last 20 years and is also Principal Violist with the Des Moines Metro Opera. Her background in both performing and teaching are extensive and we are most proud to have her with us at BAM! This is truly a rare opportunity for serious violin and viola students to train with her here in the Northern San Antonio – Hill Country community. “Wanda’s intonation and technique are incredibly beautiful and she also happens to be a very gifted teacher,” said Robert Flores, BAM founder. “I highly recommend her for any serious string students in the area.” The Bulverde Academy of Music is a unique music instructional facility located at 28152 Hwy. 281, suite G, in the Hill Country Square shopping area. We offer serious music lessons, with an emphasis on live performances in several genres. At BAM!, our instructors are all accomplished professional musicians with a combined stage performance history that is decades long. Our curricula cover all spectrums of the live performance fields which include Bluegrass, Country, Western Swing, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Fusion and Orchestral/Classical. We offer music lessons that cover Violin, Viola, Cello, Electric Bass, Upright Bass, Drums (Kit and Marching), Piano, Guitar, Voice, Sax, Trombone, Tuba, Trumpet, Steel Guitar, Breakdown & Western Swing Fiddling. Along with applied live performance techniques, we teach harmony & music theory, composition and transposition. For more information, call (830) 438-3565 or check out [email protected]. Asphalt paving • Ranch roads • Parking lots • Grading • visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 25 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 26 From horses to humans: a hairstylist’s evolution Bio-Identical Hormones Since her childhood days in Illinois, Connie Robbe knew she wanted to be a hairstylist. But with only four brothers to play with, she didn’t have much time to hone her craft. “Since I didn’t have any sisters, I had to improvise,” said Robbe. “I had horses, and believe me, they had the best looking manes and tails around! Robbe has since graduated to humans, attending beauty school and managing and owning several salons. She and her husband Robert have recently settled here in the Hill Country and Robbe is pleased to announce the opening of her newest salon, Tangles. Tangles Hair Salon in “Old Downtown Bulverde” opened its doors last month. Located in the Bulverde Center on Bulverde Road—across the street from the Bulverde Post Office – Tangles is in the center of the strip mall in Suite 104. The salon is open six days a week, 9 am - 6 pm Monday thru Friday, and Saturdays from 9 am -2 pm. Earlier and later appointments are available, and walk-in’s are welcome. “I’ve had large salons in the past and several small ones,” she said. “But my clients and I seem to enjoy the smaller, more personal atmosphere of the small salon. I wanted a modern, clean, well-decorated, professional, and affordable salon to offer to my clients. My motto is “Quality Hair Care at an Affordable Price.” I realize that clients can’t always get in between 9-5, and I offer early and later appointments to suit individual needs.” Because she was raising three children and Robert had a government job which required numerous moves, Robbe did not attend beauty school until she was 36. “I just loved school and it didn’t hurt that the instructors were my age,” said Robbe. “I was awarded the coveted “Student of the Month” award 3 times in nine months. When I graduated in 1994, I was awarded three trophies: “Student of the Year”; “Most Motivated Student”; and lastly “Most Dedicated to the Profession.” I couldn’t believe how far I had come from styling By Dr. Melissa Miskell Board-certified gynecologist 26 - SchooLife - February 2009 those horses many years prior!” That horse story was included in Robbe’s essay for beauty school. The most successful essay writer would be awarded $1,500 off of his/her tuition for cosmetology school. Needless to say, Robbe won! “I was so excited to get started in my first salon, which was in my home back then. The week I was to graduate, I ran an ad in the paper announcing my salon opening. I thought for sure it would take a while to get calls, but I was very anxious to get things going. To my surprise, an older lady called and wondered how soon I could get her in. It was awesome! I told her I had to go to school for four hours to finish up and could do her later that afternoon. The instructors just couldn’t believe my motivation and how I had to hurry home on my last day of school to do my first client.” Fifteen years later, Robbe is still as excited and motivated about her salon and clientele. “I have been attending many continuing education classes since graduation, and I am a Certified Color Expert. I love doing color and enjoy learning new techniques. I love to do the tri-color foils that can be dramatic or even a more subtle, natural look. I offer Goldwell and Redken Hair Colors - some of the finest in the industry. I also offer perms for both long and short hair, facial waxing, formal up-do’s and styles, and family haircuts. “If you have little ones that are nervous about haircuts, I am your stylist. I will take my time and do my best to make them feel at ease. Having managed a military salon, I also offer military-style cuts and fades as well as flat tops. My extensive time spent taking classes and updating my skills allows me to offer the latest trends in styles and cuts. “Since moving to Texas in 2007, I have worked in several chain salons and I welcome people I have cut, colored, permed or waxed to call me at (830) 438-6611 or come and visit me in my new salon.” The term bio-identical hormones has been bantered about by alternative medicine believers for years. Suzanne Sommers brought the concept to millions of women in her publications. It can be quite confusing, however, for the vast numbers of women who are symptomatic with menopausal and peri-menopausal symptoms. You do not have to be 50ish to be symptomatic. Many women begin to have symptoms such as insomnia and mood swings (to name a few) as early as 35. This is usually due to a decrease in the production of progesterone. Progesterone and estrogen are the primary female hormones. The decrease in these hormone marks the onset of menopause. Progesterone is the first hormone to start to decline in concentration. The reason for this is because progesterone is only produced in the ovary, whereas estrogen and testosterone (yes, women have testosterone) are also made in the adrenal gland and fat cells. The ovaries begin to decline in production of hormone after about the age of 30. This is why peak bone mass occurs at age 31 and then declines. Since progesterone is only made in the ovaries, women may begin to feel the effects of this decline well before they actually go through menopause. Bio-Identical hormones are the exact chemical make-up of the hormones that are produced by the ovaries. This is in contrast to the familiar hormones produced by pharmaceutical companies such as Premarin and Provera. Premarin and Provera were created in a laboratory and are foreign compounds in your body. There are also plant based compounds such as soy and wild yam. These, also are not bio-identical, they are derived from plants. Bio-Identical hormones can be compounded to fit your exact needs. Salivary testing should be done to determine the concentration of hormone in your in your body and then a specific combination of hormone can be compounded to alleviate your symptoms. Dr. Melissa Miskell’s office is located at 172 Creekside Park #105 in Spring Branch. For more information, call (830) 438-6688. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 27 Free classes & upcoming Book and Author Luncheon events at the Bulverde/Spring Offers Literary Excursion by Caroline Turney Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson, mystery and romance author JoBranch Library Remember the spray of the Ann Power, world-wide author There is fun and learning galore for all ages, free at the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library. Regular weekly events include a storytime for pre-schoolers with Connie Pace, and a toddlers’ storytime with Becky Kuykendall, who is fairly new to the library. Both Connie and Becky have extensive experience with storytime for children. Toddlers’ storytime is every Monday morning at 10:30 a.m., and pre-schoolers’ storytime is every Wednesday morning at 10:30 a.m. Need to learn more about computers? The library offers computer classes on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., with a special evening class being offered Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Different computer topics, including the basics, are offered on a needs basis. These are “hands on” classes. Check with the library to find out specific topics being covered each class. Need to learn or practice English / Quiere aprender o practicar Ingles? English as a Second Language classes are offered Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 6-8 p.m. Clases de Ingles cada martes y miercoles, 6-8 p.m. Two friendly groups that meet monthly and are open to new members are the Stitchery Group (a support group for experienced “stitchers”) which meets the third Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m., and the Genealogy Club which meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. Want to honor that New Year’s Resolution to exercise? Try Yoga with Linda Hartman. She teaches at the library on Thursdays: Feb. 5th and 19th at 6 p.m., and Feb. 12th and 26th at 10 a.m. Also, try this great class with D. Phelps: “Writing from Life” (starting a poetry and prose) on Feb. 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. You can also look forward to D.’s art class on March 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. called “Yes You Can Draw!” Attention drama students: the Friends of the Library will be performing a Reader’s Theatre program of a murder mystery called “The Night of January 16th” on Feb. 23rd from 4-6 p.m. Please contact the library to find out more information; they will be looking for people who want to participate! For more information, call the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library at (830) 438-4864 or check its website, www.bsb.lib.tx.us. mighty Mississippi on your face as you navigated fearlessly sideby-side with Huckleberry Finn? Or how about the pangs of hunger as you stood in the workhouse gruel line and heard Oliver Twist ask, “Please, Sir, I want some more.” “I am a part of everything I have read” (John Kieran) is the theme for this year’s Bulverde / Spring Branch Book and Author Luncheon at the Spring Hill Event Center from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on March 11. Classic literature will grace the dining tables along with bits of memorabilia sure to transport literature fans back into the pages of their favorite stories. Along with memories of old classics will be glimpses of new stories from six notable authors. Known for her entertaining wit, San Antonio author and Mistress of Ceremonies Pam Morsi will introduce engaging presentations from writers representing various genres and topics. The author line-up will include short story writer David Rice, Judith Ryan Hendricks, Trinity University Professor Coleen Grissom, and former attorney John Kerr. Guests will have the opportunity to meet each writer and purchase books for autograph. Bulverde business owner Barbara Sparkman said talking to the authors has been one of her favorite aspects of the luncheon for the past two years. “Getting to know the person who wrote a book sparks my interest in reading it,” she said. Morsi, a featured author last year, said she enjoyed the interaction as well. “I met lots of fun and interesting people, ate a marvelous meal, and shared some great laughs,” she said. “It is, without question, one of the ‘don’t miss’ events of the region,” concluded Morsi. Proceeds will benefit the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library. A portion of the $50 reservation cost is tax deductible. According to Book and Author Chair Bev Lemes, funds from the Photo by Caroline Turney Classics like “Huckleberry Finn” will be showcased at the Bulverde/Spring Branch Book and Author Luncheon. luncheon make a difference for the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library. She said, “The funds raised support the new state-ofthe-art library for our community by providing things like audio/visual equipment, computers, software, furniture, and children’s’ resources.” Early reservations are recommended for the limited-seating event. For reservation forms visit www.bsb.lib.tx.us, stop by the new Bulverde/Spring Branch Library at 131 Bulverde Crossing, email [email protected], or call 830-438-3364. $3 OFF* Full Service Oil Change Includes oil, filter, lube And all vital fluids checked/topped off. Canyon Lake 3159 281 I-35 H 46 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 27 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 28 The Special Programs Department of Comal ISD Presents Parent Mini-Summits ~A follow up to the Parent/Community Summit designed with parents in mind~ March 17, 2009 ~ CLHS | April 21, 2009 ~ CHS These summits, which run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at each location, will include speakers and topics like “Cultural Diversity and Education,” “Positive Behavior Support in the Home and Community,” and “Helping Your Adolescent Get Over that Mid-Year Hump.” Each summit is designed to assist parents as they guide their students through the educational process in the Comal ISD. For more information, please contact Comal ISD Parent / Community Liaison, Jamie Ezell at 830-221-2169. Time to register for Little League baseball! Canyon Lake Little League is lowering its rates to help many of our families who may be feeling the pinch this year. Registration rates will be $60 for ages 7-16 and only $15 for T-ballers, aged 5-6. We believe baseball is a great family activity and want to encourage all ages in the Canyon Lake area to get involved with Little League this season. Opening day is April 4th, so there is no time to waste! We practice and play most of our games at Hidden Valley Sports Park, just below the dam. Practice starts in February for boys 7 and up, so get registered today. Visit the website at www.canyonlakelittleleague.org to find the contact person for your age group. Games begin in April and continue to Closing Day on May 28th. Practice and games usually take up three days a week. The league is always looking for qualified volunteers. Our needs are many as this is an entirely volunteer organization. Coaches, team parents, fundraisers, concession workers, umpires, board members, score keepers, and field maintenance help is always needed and appreciated. Little League International takes safety very seriously and all our volunteers must pass a background screening. Please contact Beth Wellings for further information at (830) 237-7231. C O M P U T E R R E PA I R 28 - SchooLife - February 2009 (210) 827-0442 Maximizing the impact of company newsletters By Craig Douglas Communication is the key to success in today’s business world. Customers are looking beyond gimmicks for solid information on the services and products they buy. Newsletters have become the product brochures of the 21st century. Newsletters have powerful credibility among readers and offer a unique forum for explaining complex products and services. A single newsletter can reach more than a dozen targets, including customers, prospects, employees, investors and vendors. According to recent research, an executive is much more likely to read a newsletter than one of the hundreds of direct mail pieces he or she may receive each week. Newsletters are viewed as more credible than other promotional materials because they contain real news about the company and its services. Before launching a newsletter, business owners need to identify their goals. First, define the messages the newsletter will communicate. The newsletter needs to be compelling enough to attract reader attention. Develop a regular schedule for your newsletter so readers begin to expect it. Quarterly, biannually or bi-monthly newsletters all work well. The key is to be consistent and keep information as timely as possible. Producing a newsletter involves a lot of work, including researching, writing, editing, proofing, designing, typesetting, and managing the printing and mailing process. Decide which tasks you can comfortably handle and hire professionals to do the rest. Many printers can help you design a professional looking newsletter. To help your publication stand out, following are some helpful hints: • Establish goals, objectives and a budget for your newsletter and stick to them. • Include stories that accomplish your objectives and meet your goals. • Maintain consistency between stories within an issue and between issues. • Keep it simple. • Educate your readers, don’t try to sell. • Develop a strong, catchy masthead and use it on every issue. • Include pictures, graphics and local stories. • Establish and stay on a production schedule. • Print extra copies to give to prospective customers. • Evaluate your newsletter periodically. With the right planning and preparation, newsletters can be a valuable marketing tool. The key is choosing timely, interesting information and presenting it in a format your customers will read. Craig Douglas is the owner of Allegra Print & Imaging in Spring Branch and he consults regularly with business owners about their communications needs. Craig has been helping businesses develop their print communication materials for 25 years. Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 29 Teacher Honor Award Surprise a teacher with an Honor Award from the Comal Education Foundation! The Comal Education Foundation provides an excellent way to honor a teacher—with a Teacher Honor Award! This program enables parents, students and community members to honor teachers through a donation to the Comal Education Foundation. And all contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible. When you send in a contribution (minimum $20) to the Foundation, you may designate any teacher in the Comal ISD to receive an Honor Award. A card from the Foundation will be sent to the teacher informing them of the honor, OR the card can be given to you to deliver personally to the teacher. Additionally, the teacher will receive a plaque for their classroom designating them as an Honor Award recipient. Donations are accepted any time of the year, however during the holidays and at the end of the school year are wonderful times to show a current or former teacher just how much they have meant to you and your child. Mail donations to: Comal Education Foundation 1404 IH 35 North New Braunfels, TX 78130 You may contact Executive Director Laura Linhart-Kistner at [email protected] or 830214-5010 if you have questions or to learn more about how you can support the activities of the Comal Education Foundation. Important message for parents about ParentLink Parents, you will want to keep this information somewhere permanent so you will know how to access phone messages left for you through the Comal ISD’s ParentLink telephone notification system. That’s right. The ParentLink telephone calls you’ve been receiving from your children’s school and/or district also can be retrieved on your own time whenever YOU call the ParentLink system to hear them. Let’s say you know the school called with an important message but you didn’t hear all of it, your children intercepted the call before you could hear it, or you just want to hear it again. All you have to do is call ParentLink yourself and follow the directions below in order to hear the message(s). The mes- sages are only in the system, however, for 7 days after delivery. Here are the steps: 1. Call 1.888.457.2130 or 1.888.457.2131 2. Follow the prompt and press 1 for English; 2 for Spanish 3. Press 1 to Listen to Messages Sent to Home 4. Enter your 10-digit telephone number (includes area code) 5. Follow the prompts 6. If there are any messages for your phone, they will play Please make sure we have the correct phone numbers for you in our system. To update phone numbers visit your children’s front office by phone, email, or in person. NOW HIRING: ADVERTISING SALES SchooLife in Comal ISD is currently seeking an outside sales manager for the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake market. Qualified person much be a self-starter, independent, outgoing, have strong communication skills and adhere to deadlines. No prior newspaper experience neccessary, but helpful. Email Resumes to Bill Holland at [email protected] GradeSpeed Parent Connection. Visit www.comalisd.org visit www.comalisd.org How Will 403(b) Changes Af fect You? If you work for a hospital, school, college or other nonprofit organization, you may be contributing to a 403(b) retirement plan. And if you’ve had your 403(b) for several years, you may have gotten used to it and essentially placed it on “autopilot.” But in 2009, you may have to manage your plan a bit more actively — because some key rules are changing. Probably the biggest change, from your point of view, has to do with your ability to move money between the different accounts available in your plan. Until now, you actually had more investment flexibility than your peers who work in companies that offer 401(k) plans. Whereas a 401(k) typically has one provider, or “vendor,” that offers and manages the various investment choices within the plan, your 403(b) may have allowed you to invest with several different vendors, some of whom may not have been officially approved by your plan. Furthermore, you could make tax-free transfers between these providers. Under new IRS regulations, however, you can now only move assets from one vendor to another if both vendors are officially approved by your plan or if the “non-approved” vendor has an information-sharing agreement with your plan. While these new rules may sound rather technical, their end result is quite easy to understand: Many employers will make changes to their plans to meet the new guidelines and will likely reduce the number of 403(b) providers and investment options. What does this mean for you? It means that if the vendor to whom you defer some of your paycheck is no longer part of your employer’s plan, you will need to select a new, approved vendor if you want to keep contributing to your 403(b). That means you’ll need to evaluate the new “approved vendor” list to see which vendors are right for your needs. Of course, you’ll want to find vendors that offer investments that can help you meet your goals. But you may also have to shop around, because different vendors have different cost structures. In comparing the various expenses associated with different vendors, you might not be able to get much help from your employer, so you may want to work with a professional financial advisor. Apart from the question of approved vendors, how else will the new 403(b) regulations affect you? They could have a big impact if you need to take money from your plan before you retire. Previously, you could take out loans and withdrawals without even going through your employer, but now you must follow the same rules as those that apply to 401(k) plans. Specifically, your employer’s plan may require you to qualify for “hardship” withdrawals, such as those needed to pay for medical expenses or post-secondary tuition for yourself, your spouse or your dependents. You can also take a hardship withdrawal to help purchase a principal residence. (For other hardship distributions, consult with your plan administrator.) As you can see, the new 403(b) regulations are, in some ways, more restrictive than the old ones. Yet, your 403(b) plan, which offers tax-deferred earnings and the ability to make pre-tax contributions, is still a great way to save for retirement. By doing your homework, you can take advantage of this plan to help you build the resources you need for the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. Barry L. Dodd, your local Edward Jones Investment Representative, has an office at 17130 Hwy. 46 West, Suite 1 in Spring Branch. For more information, call him at (830) 885-3953 or email at [email protected]. Beware of companies that cut corners By Michael Holt When termites are the topic of concern, not all companies are created equal. Pest control companies like every business, are only as good as the employees and owners they represent. In any service-oriented industry, there are bad apples that bring down the reputation of everyone. There are many things to be on the lookout for when considering hiring a company to provide service. The following information is obtained from: Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service. “If you suspect you have termites, do not panic. Most types of termites do their destructive work very slowly, so your house will not collapse overnight. If your house has never been treated for termites by an exterminator, contact several local pest control companies and get estimates for their termite control services. These same companies can inspect your house to see exactly what types of pests are attacking your home. If you are not sure you have a termite infestation, an inspection will reveal if a visible termite infestation is/is not present. If you have termites swarming (flying around) in your house, the swarmers can be combated using a variety of over-thecounter pesticides designed for flying insects that are available to homeowners. Termites generally swarm once a year for a period of about 24 hours. The swarmer is the reproductive form of the termite, and does not do damage to wood. It is helpful to save several of the swarmers in a plastic bag for the inspection by your local pest control operator before a termite treatment is performed.” “At the time a bid is submitted and prior to treating, the pest control company proposing the treatment is required to give the prospective customer termite treatment disclosure documents. The documents must include, but are not limited to, the following items: (1) A diagram of the structure or structures to be treated; (2) A label for any pesticide recommended or to be used, and the proposed concentration of the termiticide to be used; (3) The complete details of the warranty provided; (4) Definitions of the types of treatment; and (5) The signature of approval of the certified applicator or technician licensed in the termite category employed by the company making the proposal. Note: At no time will a proposal be given on the back of a business card, all supporting documents must be given as described above prior to treatment. If the warranty does not include the entire structure treated, the areas included must be listed. The warranty information must also include the time period of the warranty, the renewal options and cost, the obligations of the pest control operator to retreat for termite infestations or repair termite damage caused by termite infestation during the warranty period, and conditions that could develop as a result of the owner’s action or inaction that could void the warranty.” So just remember, if they try to cut corners by just throwing out a price without filling out the necessary and LEGAL paperwork, how many other “shortcuts” might they take? Hitman Pest Control locally owned & operated in the Spring Branch & San Antonio area. Michael Holt, a Spring Branch resident for over 22 years, runs the Comal County office. He is a certified applicator, licensed in general Pest, Termite, Lawn & Ornamental categories. For more information, call ( 830) 228-4484 / Comal, (210) 637-1130 / Bexar or visit www.hitmanpest.com SchooLife - February 2009 - 29 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 30 february 2009 Sponsored by: Breakfast: Choice of Cereal & Toast – fruit or juice or one of the selections. All selections come with fruit or juice and milk. Lunch: A selection of fruits, vegetables, bread and milk offered with all lunches. *may contain pork Comal ISD Elementary Menu 1 SunDay 2 MOnDay B: Raspberry Churros L: Chicken Tenders/Grilled Ham&Cheese 9 8 B: Crispito L: Chili Cheese Wrap/Sub Sandwich 15 16 HOLIDAYNO SCHOOL 23 22 B: Raspberry Churros L: Chicken Tenders/Grilled Ham&Cheese 3 TuESDay B: Breakfast Pizza L: Steak Fingers/Enchiladas 4 wEDnESDay B: Empanadas L: Lasagna/ Chicken Sandwich Scrambled Egg 10 L:B:Chicken 11 B: Kolaches L: Tacos/Hot Dogs Nuggets/Sloppy Joes 17 B: Chicken Patty & Biscuit L: Cheeseburger Mac/Chicken Teriyaki 24 B: Breakfast Pizza L: Steak Fingers/Enchiladas 18 B: CInnamon Roll L: Pork Carnitas/ Spaghetti & Meat Sauce 5 ThurSDay B: Breakfast Tacos L: Hamburger/ Chef Salad 12 B: Waffles L: Hamburger/ Cheeseburger/ Chicken Caesar Salad 19 B: Turkey Sausage L: Hamburger/ Chef Salad 25 B: Empanadas L: Lasagna/ Chicken 26 B: Breakfast Tacos L: Hamburger/ Chef Salad Sandwich 6 frIDay B: Biscuit & SausagePatty L: Cheese/Pepperoni Pizza/Bean&Cheese Chalupas 7 SaTurDay 13 B:StickCinnamon Pretzel 14 L: Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza/Fish Nuggets Pancakes 20 B:L: Cheese or 21 27 28 Pepperoni Pizza/Fish Sandwich B: Biscuit & SausagePatty L: Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza/ Bean & Cheese Chalupas Arlon Seay Elem. • Bill Brown Elem. • Rahe Bulverde Elem. Rebecca Creek Elem. • Startzville Elem. • Timberwood Park Elem. Morningside Elem. • M. H. Specht Elem. • Comal Elem. Goodwin Frazier Elem. • Hoffmann Lane Elem. • Freiheit Elem. Comal ISD Secondary Menu SunDay MOnDay 1 2 8 9 15 16 22 23 B: Raspberry Churros L: Pork Carnitas B: Crispito L: Asian Meatballs HOLIDAYNO SCHOOL B: Raspberry Churros L: Pork Carnitas TuESDay 3 wEDnESDay ThurSDay frIDay SaTurDay 7 B: Empanadas L: Lasagna 4 10 B: Scrambled Egg L: Enchiladas Kolaches 11 B:L: Chicken Parmesan 12 B: Waffles L: Taco Salad 13 17 B: Chicken Patty & Biscuit L: Tacos 18 B: Turkey Sausage L: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce 19 B: Breakfast Tacos L: Chili Cheese Wrap 20 B: Cinnamon Roll L: Chicken Fried Steak 21 24 B: Empanadas L: Lasagna 25 B: Breakfast Pizza L: Chicken Tenders 26 B: Breakfast Tacos L: Frito Pie 27 B: Biscuit & Sausage Patty L: Chicken Fried 28 B: Breakfast Pizza L: Chicken Tenders 5 B: Breakfast Tacos L: Frito Pie & Pasta 6 B: Biscuit & Sausage Patty L: Chicken Fried Steak B: Mini Corn Dogs L: Cheeseburger Macaroni 14 Steak Mountain Valley Middle • Spring Branch Middle • Smithson Valley Middle Smithson Valley High • Canyon High • Canyon Middle Church Hill Middle • Canyon Lake High 30 - SchooLife - February 2009 Grade Speed Parent Connection SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 31 123 visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - February 2009 - 31 SL February:SL February 12/7/09 9:03 PM Page 32
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