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AdvancedPlacementScholars named
Debate Team shines at UIL state competition
Channelview hosts regional robotics competition
CHANNELVIEWSInside
Highlighting the students, people and programs of Channelview Independent School District
‘A Texas Recognized District’
March 2013
Grantingteachers’wishesSee pages 6-7
2
OCTOBER: Back row, from left, Ashley Lawrence (Channelview High School), Jerelle Richard
(Joe Frank Campbell Learning Center), Taylor May (Kolarik Ninth Grade Campus), Jessica
Gonzalez (Kolarik Ninth Grade Campus), Hunter Digges (Alice Johnson Junior High) and
Daniel Castillo (Anthony Aguirre Junior High). Pictured in front are, from left, Cecilia Bautista
(McMullan Elementary), Araceli Aburto (Crenshaw Elementary), Sharon Rodriguez (Harvey Brown
Elementary), Valerie Villegas (Hamblen Elementary), Veronica Aguilar (Schochler Elementary),
Manuel Escalante Jr. (De Zavala Elementary) and Erica Banda (Cobb Elementary).
NOVEMBER: Back row, from left, Diego Herrera (Joe Frank Campbell Learning Center), Taylor
Whitley (Channelview High School), Samantha Zavala (Kolarik Ninth Grade Campus), Linze
Balderas (Alice Johnson Junior High) and Nataly Botello (Anthony Aguirre Junior High).
Pictured in front are, from left, SaRon Thornton (Harvey Brown Elementary), Nia Martinez
(Crenshaw Elementary), Frank Burgos (De Zavala Elementary), Alejandra Ventura (Schochler
Elementary), Juan Llanes (Cobb Elementary), Terrell Gilbert (Hamblen Elementary) and
Angelina Bautista (McMullan Elementary).
JANUARY: Back row, from left, Emilio Rivera (Anthony Aguirre Junior High), Anna Almanza (Joe
Frank Campbell Learning Center), Kaliah Glenn (Channelview High School), Jordan Ellisor (Kolarik
Ninth Grade Campus) and Vianca Maldonado (Alice Johnson Junior High). Pictured in front are,
from left, Melody Guerrero (Cobb Elementary), Chelsea Hinds (Harvey Brown Elementary), Luis
Ornelas (Crenshaw Elementary), Vanessa Sierra (McMullan Elementary), Haley Vaca (Hamblen
Elementary), Maritza Perez (De Zavala Elementary) and Erasmo Flores (Schochler Elementary).
FEBRUARY: Back row, from left, Dania Ramirez (De Zavala Elementary), Maria Higueros
(Channelview High School), Morgan Coker (Alice Johnson Junior High), Elizabeth Tenorio
(Kolarik Ninth Grade Campus), Angel Zepeda (Aguirre Junior High) and Brittney Vargas
(Hamblen Elementary). Pictured in front are, from left, Jennifer Torres (McMullan Elementary),
Melani Alvarez (Schochler Elementary), Horacio Mendoza (Harvey Brown Elementary), Jose
Gallegos (Cobb Elementary) and Estefany Garcia (Crenshaw Elementary). Not pictured is
Clarissa Salinas from Joe Frank Campbell Learning Center.
Actively Engaged in the Future of Our CommunityCHANNELVIEW INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Greg Ollis
CHANNELVIEW ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONSChannelViews is published three times a year for the Channelview ISD community by the district’s Offi ce of Public Relations. Suggestions for articles should be sent to Mark Kramer, Public Relations Offi cer, at [email protected].
Patrick Lacy, PresidentJ. Kyle Campbell, Vice PresidentSteven Dennis, SecretaryKeith Liggett, Parliamentarian
E.B. Garcia, MemberGreg Johnstone, Member
Mark Kramer, Public Relations Offi cerCryss Godoy, Public Relations Intern
Follow us on the web!www.cvisd.org
Congratulations to our Students of the Month!
The number of Advanced Placement Scholars at Channelview High School has steadily increased over the past three years. And now, there are even more reasons to smile.
The College Board recognized 17 AP Scholars from CHS, including National AP Scholar Alexander Tran, who graduated in May. In addition, Tran and Jacob Hernandez were named AP Scholars with Distinction and Corey Jones, David Mares and Sergio Sanchez earned recognition as AP Scholars with Honor.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take college-level courses while still in high school and to
earn college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.
While the number of scholars increased, so did the total students who chose to take the exam. According to CHS principal Cindi Ollis, a record 481 students took the AP exams this past May.
“We place a strong emphasis on college and career readiness – and to see that more students are seeing the benefi ts of a more rigorous and challenging course of study is very exciting,” Ollis said.
Along with Tran, Hernandez, Jones, Mares and Sanchez being special honorees, the AP Scholars includes,
Diana Chau, Vincent Cooper, Yoana Cruz, Catherine Gammons, Keiry Herrera, Patricia Lambeth, Jose Marin, Karen Marquez, Sara Najera, Aaron Ramos, Ruby Sanchez and Kandace Wyatt.
Of this year’s award recipients at CHS, Ruby Sanchez and Sergio Sanchez were juniors at the time of the exams, giving them an opportunity to complete college-level work and possibly earn a higher-level AP Scholar Award as seniors this year.
The College Board is a not-for-profi t membership organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 5,400 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations.
A total of 34 student projects shined in the spotlight at the Channelview ISD District Science Fair recently. Winners were chosen in the elementary, junior high and high school categories for individual and team projects.
In the elementary division, three students earned fi rst place awards. Third grade Hamblen Elementary student Ariana Luis captured top honors for her project on “Absorbtion,” while fourth grade De Zavala Elementary student Pricila Henderson received her fi rst place award for her “Battery Life” project. Fifth grade Schochler Elementary student William Arevalo received a fi rst place award for his project that was titled, “A Battery that Makes Cents.”
A Best of Show award was presented at the elementary level to Schochler’s Joshua Gomez for his project, “Magical Balloon.”
In the individual categories, Aguirre Junior High sixth grader Janssen Bozon took fi rst place for “Recycling Cooking Oil to Make
Soap,” while Alice Johnson Junior High sixth grade student Chris Kennington earned second place for his “Sun Dial” project. Aguirre eighth grader Madison Stringer won a third place award for her “Mood Music” project. Alice Johnson sixth grader Frida Torres and Aguirre sixth grader Summer Ijaharah both shared the Best of Show Award. Torres’s project was titled “Turn Milk Into Plastic” and Ijaharah’s project was titled “What’s In Your Bayou.”
The team project of Aguirre Junior High
eighth grade students Eddith Garcia and Isis Gonzalez titled “Egg War” earned a fi rst place award.
Three projects from Channelview High School captured awards in the high school division. Brittany Diggs and Jaslynn Green took fi rst place for their team project, “What is Your Threshold?” Jay-Ar Haro was awarded fi rst place for his individual project, “Super Cooling Water.” Jayleene Serrano had top honors for her Best in Show project, “Transpiration in Plants.”
National AP Scholar Alexander Tran graduated in May 2012.
Tran was also the Valedictorian of his senior class. In addition, he was named an AP Scholar as a junior.
3
Advanced Placement totalscontinue upward trend at CHS
Elementary, secondary students honored at District Science Fair
Tran named National AP Scholar; 17 others recognized
National AP Scholar Alexander Tran graduated in May 2012.
Tran was also the Valedictorianof his senior class. In addition,he was namedan AP Scholar as a junior.
National Scholar: Alexander Tran
The Channelview ISD District
Science Fair featured many
creative projects as 34 students
from the elementary, junior
high and high school levels
advanced to the event after
capturing top spots at their
campus science fair events.
By Cryss GodoyChannelview ISD Public Relations Intern
Fourth and fi fth grade students from Chan-nelview ISD’s De Zavala Elementary rolled-up their sleeves and waded through
marsh to participate in The Houston Zoo’s Texas City Prairie Field Research Program at the Texas City Prairie Preserve.
“This experience was a great way to help stu-dents connect real life situations to what is being taught in the classroom,” said Stephanie Green, assistant principal at De Zavala Elementary.
Activities included in the coastal ecology educa-tion program incorporated a variety of scientifi c experimentation involved in the daily conservation of coastal lands such as examination of prairie life, marine seining, water quality testing, and wildlife observation. De Zavala Elementary was chosen at random to participate.
“The students’ favorite activity was marine sein-ing,” Green said. “They enjoyed getting into the water and searching for various animal specimens.”
During the course of this activity, students learned that scientists and researchers use seine nets, originally used for fi shing, to sample the types
of wildlife found in a particular body of water in order to get a better picture of how wildlife changes over seasons and how it is impacted by both natural occurrences and human impact.
“This program has always seen a great level of success because it is a unique opportunity for stu-dents to gain hands-on experience in fi eld research techniques and tools used by scientists,” said Vic-toria Sokol, education programs manager for The Houston Zoo. “It helps to illustrate how science itself is not a static process and how scientifi c re-search can impact our understanding of issues and the choices we make in our community.”
Real world applications of science and nature, presented in this interactive environment, then tied to in-class lessons, help students solidify their un-derstanding of science and how it is used in every-day situations.
“In one activity, students measured the quality of
water. This would tie into learning how to use and read a thermometer,” Green said. “The students also tested for the ph level of the water. This al-lowed them to see the acidity level in the water and how that can affect sea life.”
The Texas City Prairie Field Research Program, one of the Houston Zoo’s most popular student programs since 2004, is a partnership between the Zoo and The Nature Conservancy, headquartered in Washington, DC.
“Conducting fi eld research activities within this ecosystem, which was once widespread along the Gulf Coast, allows students to see that conserva-tion of wildlife and wild places occurs all over the world, even in their own backyard,” Sokol said.
Helping children reach an understanding that car-ing for such lands will one day be their responsibil-ity has been the key to the success of this program and others like it for TNC.
The Channelview Independent School District will accept Intradistrict Transfer applications from April 1-May 15, 2013.
For more information, please call 281-452-8010.
4
Coastal classroom
Intradistrict transfersHamblen’s Donuts with Dad
Hamblen Elementary School’s “Donuts with Dad” program was a huge success as more than 350 proud fathers, grandfa-thers, uncles and others honored male role models that support their child’s education. Dads were greeted with appreciation and smiles, served coffee and donuts, and spent the morning enjoying breakfast with their Hamblen Hawk.
De Zavala Elementary fourth and fi fth grade students were able to conduct a variety of marine ecological experiments during the Houston Zoo’s Texas City Prairie Field Research Program at the Texas City Prairie Preserve.
Houston Zoo program provides De Zavala students hands-onnature lesson
By Cryss GodoyChannelview ISD Public Relations Intern
Channelview High School students are on a mission toward higher edu-cation—and they are learning that it truly pays to apply for scholarships.
Counselors have placed a major emphasis on the importance of ap-plying for scholarships, and they have seen the amount of award recipients increase. In the 2011-2012 school year, 43 recipients of scholarship funds earned a total of $1,022,505 for college.
“Today, with the numerous amount of college funding available to assist students with paying for college, students are now even more motivated and interested in going to college,” said Keisha Smoke, college
and career advisor for both Chan-nelview High School and San Jacinto College.
Across the country, high schools are realigning their counseling practices to provide a wide avenue to higher education, and to inform students and their parents about the availability of funds to make atten-dance at college possible. Channel-view High School is no exception. The school’s online counseling site has information and links to keep parents aware of the efforts being made on their children’s behalf.
The CHS counselors’ website has two pages especially dedicated to as-sisting students and their parents get a jump-start on applying to college and securing education funding. The fi rst of these, entitled “College Cen-
ter,” guides future graduates through the introductory steps to applying for college with links regarding ACT/SAT testing, the application for Fed-eral funds, and samples of applica-tions used for college admittance.
According to Ann Broxterman, college advisor at Channelview High School explained that students need to feel comfortable talking about education costs with their parents, noting that parents should be sup-portive of their student’s educational aspirations, and assist with research-ing scholarships for which they qualify.
“With the cost of attendance for colleges and universities steadily rising, it is crucial for parents and students to look ahead for college funding,” Broxterman said.
Five Channelview High School Business Professional of America (BPA) students qualifi ed for state competition after their performances at the regional competition held at Barbers Hill ISD.
The team of Alex Flores, Fernando Garcia and Sergio Sanchez advanced to state with their fi rst place fi nish in the Financial Analyst category. In addition, Autreiyas Watson took third place in the Virtual Basic Pro-gramming competition to qualify for state. Jose Aguirre advanced to state in the Computer Modeling category with his third place fi nish.
Several students also had good showings at the regional event, including the Video Production team of Aguirre, Kameron Denman and Leonardo Acosta, who fi nished in fourth place at the event. Acosta also placed fourth in the PC Servicing competition and Leticia Tapia fi n-ished fourth in Payroll Accounting.
Several Channelview High School Debate Team members qualifi ed for University In-terscholastic League cross-examination state competition, with the duo of Alexis Holland and Rachel Clark fi nishing among the top 16 teams in Texas.
More than 350 teams competed in the state UIL
event. Holland and Clark captured the district championship, along with advancing to state contest. Trevor Blackwood and Adriana Aguirre also to state advanced with their second place fi nish. Annette Ortiz and Tristen Duree took third place at district and will served as fi rst alternates for state.
5Debate team members shine at UIL
BPA studentsqualify for state event
Counselors’ advice to students: It pays to apply for scholarships
State UIL
qualifi ers are,
from left, Tristen
Duree, Annette
Ortiz, Rachel
Clark, Alexis
Holland, Trevor
Blackwood and
Adriana Aguirre.
Counselors encourage students to attend College Night events at their campuses, such as the one held at
Channelview High School earlier this school year. Events such as
these give students opportunities to ask questions about fi nancial aid,
scholarships and other information.
The North Channel News is a new online publication promoting the “good news” in the Channelview area. News about Channelview Schools can be viewed daily by go-ing to www.northchannelnews.com.
School news online at northchannelnews.com
6
Surprise!
Eight Channelview ISD teachers were greeted at their door by a large crowd with noisemakers, smiles and an oversized check, as they were awarded Innovative Teaching Grants by the Channelview ISD
Education Foundation.The $8,000 in grants were presented during the Foundation’s “Surprise Pa-
trol” at the campuses, which featured members of the Foundation presenting grants and sounds of the Channelview High School band and performances by the CHS cheerleaders and Channelettes dance team.
Funds for the grants came from private donations from business and com-munity members, as well as various individuals. The Foundation was formed 10 months ago as a 501c3 non-profi t organization that benefi ts Channelview ISD students and staff by supporting activities not funded by tax dollars through the regular school budget.
Another round of Innovative Teaching grants are scheduled to be given out in May.
“We are very appreciative to all of our Foundation donors for their gener-ous gifts and the work of our Foundation directors to make the presentation of these grants a reality,” Channelview ISD Superintendent Greg Ollis said. “We are excited about the future and these grants will help provide our teach-ers with the additional resources they need to bring creative learning mo-ments to life for their students.”
The grant recipients included:
Nacha Griffi n, Harvey Brown ElementaryGrant Title: What Moves YouSummary: This will be a schoolwide Physical Education initiative de-
signed to encourage students toward developing a lifelong love of fi tness and healthy eating habits. A combination of nutrition games and lessons, along with electronic active play games will engage the students.
Silvia Alvarez, Crenshaw ElementaryGrant Title: Any Book Plus MoreSummary: Electronic Any Book Reader pens will help the students in lit-
eracy lessons. The pen records what the child has read as they drag it across the text. The device allows the teacher to better evaluate the students’ accu-racy and fl uency in reading.
See Grants, page 8
Channelview ISDEducation Foundationgives grants to teachers
Christy Irvin - Hamblen Elementary
Patricia Davis - De Zavala Elementary
Heidi VanceMcMullan Elementary
Nacha Griffi nBrown Elementary
7
Gold PartnersLyondellBasell-Channelview Complex
North Shore Rotary Club
Silver PartnersBay-IBI Group Architects
Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit UnionTrans Matic, Inc.
United Community Credit UnionEveritt Industrial Supply
Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, L.L.P
Bronze PartnersAXA Advisors (Aldo Ochoa)Community Bank of Texas
The Brady FamilyWoodforest National Bank
Benefactor PartnersBill and Barbara HamblenSlocumb Insurance Agency
Friends of the Foundation
Judge Mike ParrottJ-K Enterprises
Donald R. Nino, M.D.The Nappier Family
Thank Youto our generous donors that made
these grants possible
Silvia Alvarez - Crenshaw Elementary
Joe Paneitz - Alice Johnson Junior High Jamie Graham - Schochler Elementary
Jennifer Thurik - Joe Frank Campbell Learning Center
8
Chamber honors students, Channelview High educator
Chamber Educator of the Month is Channelview High School mathematics teacher Naomi Nassar, pictured at right. She is congratulated by CHS Principal Cindi Ollis.
The North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month are, from left, Nataly Botello from Anthony Aguirre Junior High, Linze Nicole Balderas from Alice Johnson Junior High and Emily Hunt from Channelview High School.
GrantsContinued from page 6
Patricia Davis, De Zavala ElementaryGrant Title: Creative Learning in Progress (CLIP)Summary: Through the use of I-Pad
technology, students will be able to expand their learning horizons in several different subjects as the result of over 500 educational apps available. Students will not only master the concepts they are learning, but strengthen their knowledge in technology as well.
Christine Irvin, Hamblen ElementaryGrant Title: Robotics ClubSummary: The grant will be used to fund
an after-school enrichment club for robotics. Through the use of Lego Robotics Construction
Kits and software, students will develop basic skills in building robotic devices. The club will meet once a week for 12 weeks.
Heidi Vance, McMullan ElementaryGrant Title: I-Pad for the ClassroomSummary: The use of an I-Pad, along with
the purchase of many learning apps, will be used to increase students’ use of technology and also improve their math and reading skills.
Jamie Graham, Schochler ElementaryGrant Title: Open Your World Through ReadingSummary: In an effort to promote
independent reading skills and provide a larger amount of texts for students, grant funds will be used to update classroom libraries and book bins for students.
Joe Paneitz, Alice Johnson Junior HighGrant Title: Tetrix RoboticsSummary: Tetrix Robotics is an advanced
form of robotics, which requires increased technology, equipment and software to be learned by the students. Funds will provide more in-depth opportunities for students to increase their knowledge in this fi eld of study.
Jennifer Thurik, Endeavor High School at Joe Frank Campbell Learning CenterGrant Title: Messages for the MassesSummary: Endeavor’s Media Analysis
class will use a video camera and movie-making technology to create Public Service Announcements that will be viewed at the campus. The PSA’s will be over issues that are relevant to the lives of the students.
Three Channelview ISD students and a Channelview High School educator received special recognition recently from the North Channel Area Chamber of Com-merce.
Chamber members honored Channelview High School’s Emily Hunt, Alice Johnson Junior High’s Linze Nicole Balderas and Anthony Aguirre Junior High’s Nataly Botello as Students of the Month, while CHS math teacher Naomi Nassar was named as Outstanding Educator.
Hunt will attend Blinn Junior College in the fall, then transfer to Texas A&M Uni-versity to major in Animal Science.
Balderas’ future plans are to attend a ma-jor university on an athletic scholarship and major in Psychology. After graduation from high school, Botello plans to attend Baylor University and study Anthropology.
Ms. Nassar teaches Pre-Calculus and AP Calculus and is well-loved by her students. In 2000, she was named Channelview ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year and was named Channelview High School’s Teacher of the Year in 2011.
The Channelview High School girls bas-ketball team enjoyed another fi ne season as the Lady Falcons fi nished as tri-champions of District 21-5A and qualifi ed for the bi-district round of the playoffs.
In guiding the team to the playoffs, Head Coach Kim Lockett was also named as the District 21-5A Coach of the Year.
The Lady Falcons fi nished district play with a 9-3 record. They fell to Pearland in the fi rst round of the playoffs and completed the season with a 16-9 overall record.
Several members of the team received individual honors. Taeler Deer was named the district’s Most Valuable Player, while Angelique Kyle was named fi rst team all-district. Kyle also was selected to play in the Greater Houston Area Girls Basketball Association All-Star game. Shannon Jones and Natalie Moody received second team all-district honors.
Lady Falcons reach basketball playoff sLockett named 21-5ACoach of the Year
All-Earth Ecobot Challenge
Student artwork advances to state competition
9Bulldog roboticstakes top honorsat regional event
Channelview hosts 95 robotics teams from around the region
Students from Anthony Aguirre Junior High work on the assembly of their Lego robot vehicles as they prepare for competition at the All-Earth Ecobot Challenge held at Channelview High School.
Alice Johnson Junior High robotics students examine the obstacle course their robot must navigate during one of the rounds of competition during the Ecobot Challenge.
Today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders that will shape the future in many technology-related fi elds were part of the All-Earth Ecobot Challenge hosted by Channelview ISD.
The event was held at Channel-view High School and featured more than 95 teams and 400 students from schools in Spring, New Caney, Galena Park, Houston, Cy Fair, Sheldon, Harmony Charter, La Porte, Dayton and YES Prep Charter. Students from Channelview’s Alice Johnson and Aguirre junior highs had participating teams and also had students that served as ambassadors and volunteers at the event.
The All-Earth Ecobot Challenge combines communication skills with engineering, math, science and technology to connect with students in grades 5-8 with concepts about commerce and industry in greater Harris County. During the event, four person student teams design, build and program autonomous robots to accom-plish four missions on a competition table, using a LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Robot kit. Teams op-erate their robots to complete a series of different missions.
By Cryss GodoyChannelview ISD Public Relations Intern
The Anthony Aguirre Junior High Bulldogs robotics team captured fi rst place at the First Lego League’s regional qualifying tournament Saturday, January 26, at Berry Miller Junior High in Pearland.
With the team earning top honors in the category of Mechanical Design, competed against other Houston-area teams in the FLL’s regional champi-onship.
“Our students demonstrated good team skills and presented creative solutions to any given problems,” said team coach Joshua McDonald.
Team members include Ajah Young, Giovanni Flores, Julian Escalera, Cyrus Robinson, Fidel Bar-rientos, Angel Flores and Emilio Rivera.
Now in its 14th season, the FLL provides well-rounded experiences for middle school aged children through its “3-part Challenge”: the Ro-bot Game (which teaches basic engineering and programming skills); the Project (which teaches research, collaboration, presentation skills as well as innovative thinking); and the Core Values (which emphasizes team work, having fun, being a gracious professional, and learning through friendly competi-tion).
“The Aguirre Robotics team continues to impress all of us,” said Principal Steve McCanless. “Their dedication and collaboration on projects is un-matched. Mr. McDonald does a fantastic job with inspiring and motivating the students about robotic design.”
The artwork of three Channelview ISD students advanced to the Texas Art Educators Association’s Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) state competi-tion.
Brittney Summers, Michael Ngo and Olga Nieves of Channelview High School all earned gold med-als. Judges asked the students questions about their compositions, uses of the elements and principles of art.
The Channelview ISD Bond Program came to a close with the opening and dedication of the Bill Neal Center - that is being used for the district’s central gymnasium.
Neal was a longtime educator, coach and athletic director for Channelview ISD. He served as athletic director from 1979-1994. In addition, he served on the Channelview ISD Board of Trustees prior to his employment with the district.
Neal also was a standout athlete during his college career. He played basketball of the University of Houston and earned numerous honors.
The fi nal bond project was the construction of a softball practice fi eld that will be used by the Channelview High School girls softball team.
The building program was the result of the community approving $111 million in bond funds in November 2009 for the construction of several new facilities. The bond program re-placed many aging structures and was targeted at alleviating overcrowding on campuses.
Bond program projects included the con-
struction of Aguirre Junior High, the re-building of Ray Maddry Memorial Stadium, classroom additions at Brown, Crenshaw, De Zavala and McMullan Elementary campuses and the building of the new Early Childhood
Center and the Joe Frank Campbell Learning Center.
Other facilities included the new Main-tenance and Transportation Centers and the Joyce Hendrix Educational Support Center.
The Channelview Independent School District has been awarded the Gold Leadership Circle Award by the Texas Comptroller’s offi ce for their commitment to fi nancial transpar-ency.
This is the third time that Channelview ISD has been recognized for its fi nancial transparency efforts.
The Leadership Circle Award spotlights cities, counties, school districts and other special districts across the state that open their books to the public and provide clear, consistent pictures of spending and shar-ing of information.
“We try to provide the community with access to as many fi nancial documents and reports as possible in order to keep our parents, business leaders and employ-
ees informed about the district’s fi nancial activities,” said Kris Lynn, assistant super-intendent of fi nance.
10Opening of central gymansium honors legend
State Comptroller recognizes district for fi nancial transparency eff orts
Longtime Channelview ISD athletic director and educator Bill Neal stands proudly outside the facility that bears his name.
In the swing for scholarshipsThe Channelview Independent School District Education Scholarship Foundation’s 15th annual B.H. Hamblen Golf Tournament raised $27,002, which was contributed by corporate sponsors, local businesses and individuals. Funds raised by the tournament will provide scholarships to several graduating Channelview High School seniors.
Bill Neal Centeris tribute to longtimeathletic director, educator
By Cryss GodoyChannelview ISD Public Relations Intern
The Channelview ISD band programs possess the sounds for success at their fi ngertips.
And the signifi cant growth of the bands at the high school and junior high levels have been music to the ears of many. Over the past four years, the number of students participating in the high school and junior high band programs has seen a signifi cant increase with more than 900 students involved in the programs.
Channelview ISD Director of Fine Arts Ken Wright explained how the band curriculum is now designed “from the bottom-up” creating a learning environment where every level expands upon the lessons introduced on the levels before it. In the CISD band program, a team-teaching ideal is the norm, with every director of every school having personal contact with each band student from sixth through 12th grade.
“We have a good crew of directors that work extremely hard day in and day out together,” said Aaron Allison, CHS Director of Bands. “Everyone assists with marching band and we make time to assist others whenever needed during the year. We attend all concerts together, organize together and make sure standards are the same throughout the program.”
This team approach creates an environment where a consistent ideal is presented to the students and the advantages are seen not only in the band halls, but in the classrooms on all three campuses.
“We not only emphasize the importance of playing at a high level of musicianship; we think it is even more crucial that we develop our students into good citizens and good people,” said Amanda Tieman, assistant band director at Alice Johnson Junior High.
New facilitiesNew and upgraded facilities have also been
attracting students to the program. A $111 million bond program passed in 2009 provided Channelview High School with a new band hall, along with improvements districtwide.
The CHS Band Suite, triple the size
of the original, comes complete with four large practice rooms to accommodate large ensembles. Additionally, bond funds were used to re-vamp the band facilities at Alice Johnson Junior High and to incorporate state-of-the-art technologies into the building of the new Anthony Aguirre Junior High band hall.
“The size and state of our facilities have changed dramatically,” Wright said.
The students behind the musicThe second element to Channelview’s unique
approach to an award-winning band program is the body of students that make up the face, personality and history of the band itself. “Students are our driving force,” said Jeri Collins, assistant band director at CHS. “They pass down the traditions that make band fun and create memories.”
Students like Ana Alvarez, a senior in the marching band’s front ensemble playing the fi nger symbols, echoes Collins’ sentiment. “Band makes me feel like I need to be more responsible than my other classmates. It provides a place where I feel safe, where no one will put you down if you don’t get something right the fi rst time.”
Supporting the students and their efforts,
musically and academically, are a top priority with band directors in CISD. From using new technologies like SmartMusic to providing instructional support wherever and whenever a student needs it, today’s band directors are helping tech-savvy students reap the rewards of a new age in education.
“With SmartMusic, I’m able to provide the students with music they’ll need to learn weeks ahead of time,” Collins said. “They’re provided with accompanying music, and the program lets them know if they’re off pitch or beat. Students know what to expect and they come to class more prepared and confi dent in their efforts.”
Parental supportThe behind-the-scenes component of
Channelview’s band program is one made up of parents. From volunteering logistical help, getting their children to practices, reminding them to practice at home, and being present at band competitions and performances, parental involvement is high on the list of reasons why CISD band students excel.
See Band, page 12
The growing sounds of success11
Channelview High School currently has over 280 students involved in its band program. More than 900 students are participating in band districwide at CHS, Alice Johnson Junior High and Aguirre Junior High.
Channelview’s high school, junior high band programs seeing tremendous growth
Channelview Independent School District828 Sheldon RoadChannelview, TX 77530
The Channelview Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amend-ments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitational Act of 1973, as amended. If you feel that your child has received discriminatory treatment, you should fi rst attempt to resolve the problem with the teacher involved. The following staff members have been designated to handle specifi c complaints and to coordinate compliance with these requirements.
Title IX Coordinator and Liaison for Homeless Children and Youths: Robert Worthy (281) 452-8010Section 504 Coordinator: Gloria Roach (281) 452-8006
Phone: (281) 452-8002 | Fax: (281) 452-8097 | www.cvisd.org
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
Channelview, TXPERMIT NO. 027
2013 Rodeo Art Winners BandContinued from page 11
This encouraging parental ideal is easy to see in band students like William Applewhite, a senior and second-generation clarinetist and his younger brother Matthew Applewhite, a sixth grader and second-generation saxophonist. Their mother, Franchell Applewhite (CHS ’92), aunt, Stephanie Applewhite (CHS ’91), and uncle, Paul Applewhite (CHS ’90) all completed the program and still count their band memories among their fondest of high school.
“I enjoyed playing in the band so much,” said Franchelle Applewhite. “I was so happy when both my sons each showed an interest in music.”
William Applewhite has applied to Baylor University, where he hopes to march in the band alongside other CHS alums.
High Hopes“We have some very good kids,” said Allison.
“We hold them to the highest of standards and they follow, which makes them successful. When you follow that up with an administration that truly believes every student can be a winner, you get a band fi lled with students that make their parents, teachers and community proud.”
Best of Show - High SchoolOlga Nieves, Channelview High School
Best of Show - Junior HighMatthew Carrizales, Alice Johnson JH
Best of Show - ElementaryMaria Anchondo, Brown Elementary
Gold Medal - High SchoolLizeth Martinez, Channelview High School
Gold Medal - Junior HighSavannah Bailey, Alice Johnson JH
Gold Medal - ElementaryErik Flores, Brown Elementaryl
Gold Medal - High SchoolDarius Cox, Channelview High School
