Download pdf - Tiger Tales October 2009

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Page 1: Tiger Tales October 2009

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www.fortbend.k12.tx.us/campuses/ths/

Travis Mission StatementIn partnership with home and community, it is our mission to create an environment of mutual respect and belonging in which we strive for excellence in both academic and extra-curricular programs.

William B. Travis High School11111 Harlem Rd.

Richmond, TX 77406Fort Bend ISD

Phone: 281.634.7000Fax: 281.634.7010

The 2009-2010 school year is off to a great start! The students and staff have been working hard building upon the strong foundation set during the first three years of Travis High School. Our athletic teams are continuing the tradition of excellence as they steadily outscore district opponents. Our band, drill team, and the academic UIL teams have been logging in long hours of practice in prepara-tion for successful competition seasons as well. At Travis High School, our goal is to provide your student with the best op-portunity to achieve their maximum potential in life. Students are not only afforded opportunities to build on their prior experiences, but they are also encouraged to branch out and discover new areas of interest. Parents, community members, and business leaders are all encouraged to support our mission of continuous achievement for all. I believe every interaction is an opportunity to learn. As we know, learning does not just occur in the classroom. We are surrounded by opportunities to learn and grow. As a school, we are working to better prepare our students for a global tomorrow. Students must learn to seek out information, develop their skills, and continuously search for answers. Within the walls of Travis High School could be the creator of the next big computer program or the doctor that discovers the cure for an incurable disease. This is why it is important for students to look at every challenge as an opportunity to do something truly amazing. At Travis High School, we are gifted with students who are setting high goals and a faculty committed to assisting them in reaching their aspirations. We continue to be proud of all of our Tiger students, parents, and staff. Our school year is filled with events that we hope you will attend. The involvement of you and your student will lead to their increased success. These events can be found on our campus website. Thank you for your continued support of your student and Travis High School!

Sincerely,

Kyle LovetinskyAssistant Principal

Page 2: Tiger Tales October 2009

Administration

J.J. Kyle – Principal281-634-7004

Karin Grisdale – Associate Principal (Seniors)

281-634-7011Doug Thompson – Assistant Principal (A –G)

281-634-7082Bob Banks – Assistant Principal (H-O)

281-634-7080Kyle Lovetinsky – Assistant Principal (P-Z)

281-634-7081

Counselors:Ronald Monachello - Freshmen

281-634-7025Sophomores, Juniors And Seniors:

Tiffany Chaney (A- E)281-634-7018

Marci Nichols, Lead Counselor (F-J)281-634-7015

Jeanne Andrews (K-Q)281-634-7016

Crystal Collins (R-Z)281-634-7026

Registrar:Cynthia Charles281.634.7020

AttendanceTayma Sheffield281-634-7040

Nurse:Gabriella Lischau

281.634.7057

Travis High School“Tiger Tales”October 2009

Published Four Times Per Year11111 Harlem Rd.

Richmond, TX 77406Issue # 1

Gaggle.Net Email Accounts For Students

There are many different forms of communication used today that are taught in our schools. Email is one form that is quickly becoming the preferred method of communication for most adults, for both personal and business applications. It is important for students to become proficient in this tool in order to be successful adults, and our state education standards include technology and electronic communication. Using email will also provide students with extra practice using correct writing conventions, improving overall literacy. In order to meet these standards, and give our students hands on experience with email, we have obtained safe email accounts through Gaggle.Net. Gaggle.Net is a safe, web-based Internet system for students where the teacher is always in control. They provide numerous tools that protect our students from the potential problems of email and social networking. The school controls what level of access the students have and with whom they can communicate with, and can set it to be as restricted as necessary. All messages pass through a number of filters. Messages with offensive language, questionable domains, banned file types, or por-nographic images are automatically rerouted to the student’s teacher for review. Gaggle uses a unique Anti-Pornography Scanner, and Blocked Word lists that are customizable by our school. In addition to email, the students will have a Digital Locker to store online files. Files can be uploaded and ac-cessed from anywhere, so students can work on documents or projects at home without needing a floppy disk or USB drive. Additional features include built-in Language Transla-tion, Spell Check, and an Auditory Feedback System that will read emails and message boards aloud. We are excited about providing email to our students, and confident that by using Gaggle.Net as our provider, we are putting safety first. You can visit www.gaggle.net for more information, or me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jackie McMahonInstructional Technology Specialist

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Fort Bend Education Foundation Awards To

Travis High School Through the years, Travis High School has received over $5,406.00 in the Angel Gifts Program. Established in 1992 to benefit students of Fort Bend ISD this non-profit organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors that includes local business, industry, and community leaders. The Foundation pro-vides funds to support innovative academic projects and staff development activities. Some examples of the many grants funded to teachers include digital microscopes, math manipulatives, mobile science labs, big books, History Alive materials, and gardening systems. Since its inception, the Fort Bend Education Foundation has awarded over $2,800,000 in grants to Fort Bend ISD teachers and schools. Please con-sider supporting the Education Foundation by volunteering your time at any one of our fundraisers, adopting an angel gift, donat-ing an auction item, or attending the annual gala in February. If you are looking for a great way to pay tribute to a teacher or loved one, con-sider making a donation to our Tribute Fund. M o r e i n f o r -mation about the Foundat ion can be found on the website, www.fortbendisd.com/founda t ion o r you may contact Brenna Smelley, Executive Director at 281-634-1113.

Page 3: Tiger Tales October 2009

Online Safety Pledge I want to use the computer and the Internet. I understand that there are certain rules about what I should do online. I agree to follow these rules:

I will not give my name, address, telephone number, school, or my teachers’/parents’ names, 1. addresses, or telephone numbers, to anyone I meet on the Internet.I will not give out my email password to anyone (even my best friends) other than my teach-2. ers/parents.I will not send a picture of myself or others over the Internet without my teachers’/parents’ 3. permission.I will not fill out any form or request online that asks me for any information about my school, 4. my family, or myself without first asking for permission from my teachers/parents.I will tell my teachers/parents if I see any bad language or pictures on the Internet, or if 5. anyone makes me feel nervous or uncomfortable online.I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without first checking with 6. my teachers/parents. If my teachers/parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and that I am accompanied by an adult at all times.I will not use any articles, stories, or other works I find online and pretend it is my own.7. I will not use bad language online.8. I will practice safe computing, and check for viruses whenever I borrow a disk from someone, 9. download something from the Internet, or receive an attachment.I will be a good online citizen and not participate in any activity that hurts others or is against 10. the law or my school’s policy.

_______________________________ ___________________Student’s Signature Date

_______________________________ ___________________Parent’s Signature Date

_______________________________ ___________________Teacher’s Signature Date

Business DepartmentOwens speaks to Intro to Business Ms. Michele Owens was the guest speaker for Intro to Business. Ms Owens is a business owner, fashion designer and has her own mod-eling agency. She spoke to both Intro to Busi-ness classes Sept. 4. The students participated in a mock modeling show for their classmates. She will be back in the future.

Lee A. Mahlmann, D.D.S., M.S.

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Looking for Business Advisory Board Members The business department is actively seek-ing business owners and parents to serve on their advisory board. The board would meet twice a year and join the business department for dinner. Their role is to advise instructors on equipment, resources, materials and current technology that will assist the students in better preparing for our global marketplace. If you would be willing to serve on this board, please email Pam Dishberger, business department chair at [email protected]. We look forward to meeting with you.

Page 4: Tiger Tales October 2009

Counselors’ OfficeOct. 1 Gear Up for College at Austin High School 6:00-8:30 p.m.Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergradu-ate Programs (Gear Up) is a program promoting high school graduation and helping student prepare for the future. This informational event will feature speakers and presentations on scholarships, loans, non-traditional paths, tips to increase test scores, school success and more!! www.teagearup.org This is a recommended “must attend event” for all junior and senior students and parents. All students and parents are encouraged to attend.

Oct. 14 - PSAT 7:30 p.m. All sophomores are paid for by the district. Juniors who have registered and paid the $20.00 fee will also take it this day. Juniors can qualify for National Merit Program consideration.

Oct. 15 – College Night 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Travis High School. Representatives of colleges from all over the United States will be available for you to visit. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your college questions answered!

Nov. 3 – Last day to change a level or drop a course for study hall (7th period only), off campus or office aide (seniors only).This is also the last opportunity to drop a full year course. Students must have five credit courses.

Nov. 4 – ASVAB The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a test that helps identify your interests, strengths and abilities for your future career. Sign up in counselor’s office by October 15. For more information go to http://www.of-ficialasvab.com/

Nov. 11 – Mini College Fair at all lunchesParents and Students Be Sure to Check The Travis High School Dollar Grams For Current Scholarship Information.

University Interscholastic League AcademicsUpcoming UIL Tournaments for your calendar:

Oct. 31-UIL Super Conference – Sam Houston State University• Nov. 7 - Invitational- Westfield High School• November -Invitational- Klein High School• Nov. 21, Invitational-Bryan High School• Jan. 9, Invitational-Seven Lakes High School• Feb. 6, Invitational-Elkins High School, Math, Science, and Computer Science • onlyFeb. 13, Invitational- Needville High School• Feb. 20, Invitational hosted by Travis High School•

District to be held at Elkins High School in March—date not yet determined

Coaches and students are actively working on their Academic events. UIL events include math, number sense, calculator, spelling, ready writing, literary criticism, sci-ence, social studies, current events, speech and debate, poetry, prose, extemporaneous speaking, computer science, accounting, and computer applications. Students are encouraged to enter for awards and scholarships. We want several teams to go all the way to Stat this year.

WanttofindaUILcoach—lookforthebrightgreenneonsignbythecoach’sdoor.

College Now—What An Opportunity What an opportunity for students! Jackie Lin, graduating senior class of 2009, took Accounting College Now and was very excited as she entered the University of Houston this fall. “They gave me 6 hours of elective credit and started my College GPA with a 4.0—this was a real GPA booster,” reported Jackie. A student cannot go wrong taking college now while in high school. It saves the student a great deal of money as Ft Bend schools get a discounted price of only $162 per course and a student leaves with 6 college hours and a starting GPA. It also looks good on scholarship applications to be able to enclose a community college transcript along with your application. This transcript may be the differ-ence in proving a student can already handle successfully college level work. Also for students to graduate on the distinguished diploma, they must also complete a college course while in high school. This gives students the option of working towards this diploma. Houston Community College is also a great partner. “They paid for our up-grades to Office 2007 in our College Now labs and provide training, books, and resources to the campuses,” said instructor Pam Dishberger.

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Page 5: Tiger Tales October 2009

2010 AP Exams ScheduleWeek 1 Morning Session 8 a.m. Afternoon Session 12 noonMonday, May 3 United States Government and Politics Comparative Government and Politics

French LanguageTuesday, May 4 Computer Science A

Spanish LanguageStatistics

Wednesday, May 5 Calculus ABCalculus BC

Chinese Language and Culture

Thursday, May 6 English Literature and CompositionGerman Language

Japanese Language and Culture

Friday, May 7 United States History European HistoryStudio Art (portfolios due)

Week 2 Morning Session 8 a.m. Afternoon Session 12 noon Afternoon Session 2 p.m.

Monday, May 10 BiologyMusic Theory

Physics B Physics C: Mechanics

Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

Tuesday, May 11 ChemistryEnvironmental Science

Psychology

Wednesday, May 12 English Language and Composition Art History Thursday, May 13 Macroeconomics

World HistoryMicroeconomics

Friday, May 14 Human GeographySpanish Literature

Latin: Vergil

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Page 6: Tiger Tales October 2009

Visions For Tomorrow Visions For Tomorrow is a curriculum that addresses the needs of younger families who have a child or adolescent with a mental illness. Taught by primary caregivers, VFT classes offer families a safe and supportive place to share experiences and learn from other adults who care for children with mental illness. Primary caregivers include not only parents, but grandparents, aunts, uncles, respite care providers and foster parents, as well. By providing education, empathy and empowerment, families will now have the tools to build visions for their family’s tomorrow. In Visions For Tomorrow classes provides information on specific brain disorders such as:

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Conduct Disorder Bipolar DisorderDepressive Disorder Eating Disorders Anxiety DisordersSchizophrenia Post-Traumatic Stress AutismBorderline Personality Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and others

This nationally recognized curriculum, which NAMI Texas has shared with 31 states, also offers young family caregivers additional information on accessing school services, IDEA, transi-tion activities and other topics of interest.Visions For Tomorrow also builds skills and knowledge in the following areas:Brain Biology Communication Coping and Self-CareProblem Management Rehabilitation/Transition Advocacy and StigmaOrganization/Record-Keeping Types of Therapies Juvenile Judicial System

Visions For Tomorrow 3 Classes in West Houston

FREEtoallfamilies,parentsandcaregiversofchildrenwithmentalillnessPre-registrationisrequired.

Location: Chapelwood United Methodist ChurchDates: Sept. 9 – Nov. 11, 2009, every Wednesday morning, 9:30 am –noon

Location: St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, KatyDates: Sept. 10 – Nov. 12, 2009, every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 9 pm

Location: Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church (Memorial & Blalock)Dates: Sept. 15 – Nov. 17, 2009, every Tuesday evening, 6:30 – 9 pm

For more information and registration (required), please contact: Bonnie Cord, 713-984-2538, [email protected]

NAMI West Houstonwww.namiwesthouston.org

Happenings In The Math Department

Tutorials: Along with tutorials being offered by the 1. math department teams, we are offering specialized tutorials in Algebra that are called “Ready Skills Tutorials.” These anticipate the skills necessary for up-coming topics and help students prepare accordingly. These are held on Monday afternoons from 2:45-3:45 p.m. (Activi-ties). If the student must ride the late bus they may stay from 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. work-ing on Algebra.We also offer tutorials for students need-2. ing to re-take the exit level TAKS test. These are offered on Wednesday from 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.All math teachers are available on Thurs-3. day mornings.

MAθ: Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society is wel-coming new members. Students and sponsors meet every other Tuesday. The members com-pete in at least one competition and also offer tutorials to students in need of assistance in mathematics. We will have a Thursday evening “fun day” twice a semester. This is a wonderful opportunity for students that have an interest in mathematics and maintain a B average to get involved in a worthy club that strengthens their math skills as well as gives them an opportunity to give back to their school.

Pre-Calculus: Pre-calculus students are be-ginning Trigonometry. We are learning trig values and will progress to graphing the six trig functions. Emphasis is being placed on Sine and Cosine as these will be used to model real world situations. There will be one project the 2nd quarter that has students create unique graphs of the trig functions and also model real world situations. The Pre-calculus group this year is great - very bright and inquisitive! Keep up the good work!

Stripes Yearbook The 2010 Stripes yearbook is on sale now until Jan. 15, 2010 through www.Smart-Pay.com for $77. Sales will close Jan. 15 and if any ad-ditional books are available at the end of the year at distribution they will be $90. To celebrate the first class to complete all four years at Travis, the staff hopes to include an interactive DVD featuring performances by the fine arts department, along with many other activities here at Travis. In order to include the DVD, we must have a minimum of 500 yearbook orders by Dec. 1. In addition to yearbooks, parents may purchase congratulatory ads through Smart-Pay by check, money order or credit card. Available sizes include a full page, half page, quarter page and eighth page, with prices starting at $85. All ads must be purchased through Smart-Pay. Extras for the yearbook, such as plastic covers, engraved nameplates, and yearzines are also for sale.

Page 7: Tiger Tales October 2009

Support Our Sponsors!

Stopyour search...find it here!

Parents, please let the sponsor advertisers in this newsletter know you appreciate them!

Their advertising dollars make this newsletter possible. Use their coupons, stop in to say thank you...call them on the phone!

They need to hear from you to continue their support!

Support Groups For Parents & Caregivers

Of Children And Adolescents With A

Brain Disorder(ADHD, PDD/Autism, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or other emotional or behavioral

concerns)

Times and Locations:The First Wednesday of the month, 7-8:30

pmPines Presbyterian Church, 12751 Kimberley

Lane, Library (in own & Country Village area)

Call Bonnie Cord, 713-984-2538

Last Wednesday of the month, 10-11:30 amSt. Cecilia Catholic Community, 11720 Joan of Arc Dr., Community Center, Room 202

(near Bunker Hill and I-10) Call Diane Goyette at 713-896-1153

NAMI West Houstonwww.namiwesthouston.org

Fine ArtsBand And Belles Eagerly Prepare For Contest Season The Travis Tiger Band and Belles Dance Team are about to start their 2009 contest season, and are looking forward to a very successful season. The show is entitled Bravo!, and features the music of James Horner, Georges Bizet, Ernesto Lecuona, and Chick Corea.

The contest performance dates are:Oct. 3 @ Lamar High School in LCISD 4:00 p.m. performance• Oct. 5 @ FBISD Band Night Mercer Stadium 6:45 p.m. performance• Oct. 10 @ BOA Arlington Region Championship 4:00 p.m. performance• Oct. 16 @ UIL Marching Contest Mercer Stadium 7:15 p.m.performance• Oct. 17 @ Lone Star Preview Woodforest Bank Stadium • Oct. 31 @ Duncanville Invitational Contest•

Please join us at these events and watch the excitement!

Cyrano De Bergerac PerformancesThe theatre arts department will perform Cyrano de Bergerac Oct. 1-4 in the Travis auditorium. Tickets are $7. Evening performances Thursday through Saturday are at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Fresh FacesStudents new to theatre will get a chance to perform before a live audience Oct. 16 and 17 in the Black Box. Senior Emilio Campos is directing the students in three plays.

“The main purpose of the show is to allow aspiring thespians to act for the first time in the THS Theatrical Company,” Campos said.

Page 8: Tiger Tales October 2009

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage Paid

Permit #27Sugarland, TX

William B. Travis High School11111 Harlem Rd.

Richmond, TX 77406Fort Bend ISD

Athletics SOCCER –– Soccer tryouts begin the week of Nov. 30. A current physical and all other required paperwork MUST be on file with the coaches prior to trying out. You MUST be present the first day of tryouts to continue the rest of the week. Any interested players should contact Coach Luke Chauvin (boys) or Coach Melissa Fox (girls) to get any other information prior to Nov. 30.

Foreign Language The Foreign Language Department is happy to announce that beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22 we will be offering peer tutoring for Spanish I and Spanish II students. The Spanish National Honor Society members, all of whom have successfully com-pleted Spanish III or higher, will be available for tutoring every Tuesday. Any Spanish I student wishing to be tu-tored can go to Ms. Jennifer Pfalzgraf’s room (E 129), and any Spanish II student wishing to be tutored can go to Ms. Ana Taracido’s room (E139) from 2:35 to 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday. This tutoring is absolutely free to students, so please encourage them to come on by if they need help.

Follow Us On Twitter Periodic updates on Travis happenings and breaking news are sent out via Twitter. Fol-low us at www.twitter.com/travismediateam or sign up for a Twitter account and follow us on your personal page or on your cell phone.

Chess Club Chess Club meets on Wednesday af-ternoons from 2:30-5:00 p.m. in Mr. David Householder’s room, P223. Everyone is wel-come to attend, regardless of skill level. Come to learn! Come to play! Come to have fun!”


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