Kirk Students Raise Money To Fight Cancer
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 10, 2008
The Kirk Elementary School Student Council recently held a penny drive to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), raising a total of $3,237.82. The penny drive ran from March 26-April 11, during which each Kirk teacher collected coins from his/her students. Student Council representatives collected money from each class twice a week.
Sarah Brown, Kirk third-grade teacher and student council liaison, sent out a PowerPoint update after each counting session. She said that students exceeded the school goal at each update. According to Brown, the top-raising classroom won a pasta party from Olive Garden, while the top-raising grade level earned a popcorn party from the PTO. The entire school was awarded a $300 Wal-Mart gift card for its fund-raising efforts.
Volunteer Award Winners
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District honored its district and state volunteer award winners during a Volunteer Appreciation Month ceremony on April 24.
The award winners were as follows:
Outstanding Senior Volunteer: Mr. Robert Zemcik – State Crystal Award Winner; Outstanding Adult Volunteer: Ms Lisa Underwood – State Crystal Award Winner; Community Partnership: Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce – State Crystal Award Winner; Local Business Partnership: Mr. Ed Station of Station & Ayers Insurance – State Crystal Award Winner; Medium Business Partnership: Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union – State Crystal Award Winner; Small Business Partnership: Credit Union Acceptance – State Gold Award Winner.
The district congratulates these distinguished individuals and businesses for their awards and accomplishments and thanks them for their devoted service to the students who attend our schools. And to every volunteer in our district, we celebrate each of you for the service you provide our students and staff all throughout the year.
Pictured above from left: Reginald Lillie, Chairman of the Board of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce; Ms. Audrey Ayers and Mr. Ed Station of Station & Ayers Insurance Services; Leslie Martone from the Cy-Fair Credit Union; Pam Wells, CFISD Associate Superintendent for General Administration; Erin Al-Salman, President of the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Johnson, Media Specialist at Emmott Elementary School; Lisa Underwood; and Pam Scott, CFISD Director of Partners in Education.
Astros Teach About Good Choices
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
Houston Astros pitcher Oscar Villarreal and TV play-by-play announcer Bill Brown visited Truitt Middle School on Wednesday as part of the Astros Fielder’s Choice Program, sponsored by Whataburger. Villarreal and Brown spoke to Truitt sixth-grade students about the importance of making good choices. Truitt was one of four Houston-area winners in the Fielder’s Choice essay contest, in which students answered the question, “How does making good choices affect you having a safe and successful future?”
NAM
Honors Volunteers
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
More than 350 Northwest Assistance Ministries’ volunteers attended the organization’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held recently at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The theme was NAM’s 25th anniversary. Among the guests were eight women who have volunteered for 25 years, from left, Charlotte Keehner, Arlene Morton, Betty Greenwood, Madeline Judkins, Gail Williams, Orca Willhelm, Jo Nell McMath and Gloria Swanson. Additional 25-year volunteers not in attendance include Jerry Adams, Bob Schmidt, Carol Banks, Yvonne Jones and Margaret Reistroffer. For information on volunteering at NAM, contact NAM Volunteer Coordinator Jamie Hartwell at 281-885-4609 or jhartwell@namonline.org.
Solar Academy Visits CFISD
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
The Solar Academy is a program based on the partnership of TXU and the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project that brings solar technology and energy lessons into the classroom, providing students and teachers with an interactive learning experience.
During the event at the SRC, Lamkin Elementary School students will participate in several hands-on activities, including making solar bead bracelets, using nature print paper, converting radiant energy to thermal energy and making solar ovens.
This will be followed by a ribbon cutting for the installation of a 1-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system that converts sunlight into electricity. The package includes an online monitoring tool that provides real-time data on the system’s generation and the amount of electricity generated. After the ribbon cutting, students will enjoy a lunch with “solar cookies.”
Hospital Supports Relay for Life
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital and the Tenet Healthcare Foundation supported the American Cancer Society’s 2008 Cy-Fair Relay for Life event that was held April 25 and 26 at Cypress Woods High School. The annual fundraiser event is a community-wide, survivors' celebration and relay-style walk that benefits cancer research, education and patient services. One of the evening's highlights is the Luminaria Ceremony. The night is brightened by the glow of lighted bags called luminarias, each honoring someone who has battled cancer or has been lost to the disease.
Cy Woods Tennis Recognized for No-Cut Policy
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) formally recognized the Cypress Woods High School tennis program and head coach Tim Calhoun for maintaining a no-cut policy for the tennis team. A no-cut policy ensures that every student who wishes to play is welcomed as a member of the team. Since the start of this initiative in 2006, the USTA has recognized more than 2,000 high school tennis coaches and programs nationwide. Cypress Woods was also recognized last season for having a no-cut team.
Every registered no-cut coach is recognized for his/her efforts with a certificate from the USTA. The coach also receives a “No-Cut Tennis Team” banner to display at his/her school’s courts.
Summer Salsa Recipe is Growing in the Garden at LSC-CyFair
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
Maintaining the salsa bed as they await their summer harvest are members of the Powerful Adults Leading for Success (P.A.L.S.) student organization, which promotes community citizenship on and off campus. Among the members who planted and are now watering, weeding, and caring for the salsa bed are Alexis Houston, Kolby Rivera, Kayla McCormick, and Jackie Forsthoff. In the background from left are Cindy Crow, community garden coordinator, and Noemi Jenkins, program coordinator.
The P.A.L.S. Club members are also involved in helping the community, participating in local events and educating others about disability awareness.
The community garden grows food for donation to area food banks, supports instruction at LSC-CyFair and provides opportunities for community members to garden, help others and save green space all at the same time. For information on the community garden, go to CyFair.LoneStar.edu/communitygarden.
Earth Day Poster Contest Winners Named
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
Judges chose seven poster contest winners as part of the recent Earth Day Week celebration at Lone Star College-CyFair.
Approximately 165 students in Biology, Geology, Environmental Science, Geography – Geographic Information Systems classes at LSC-CyFair and LSC-Fairbanks Center participated in this year’s contest. Winners received bookstore vouchers.
The winners at LSC-CyFair were Branden McCormick with his poster “Storm of 1900” in the geology category; Jacqueline Le with “Lampreys” in the biology category and J.P. Saguin with “Selfish” in the Environmental Science category.
The Best of Show winners at LSC-Fairbanks Center were Steven Zapata with “Desert”; Jason Read and Jessie Hoang with “Temperate Broadleaf Forest” and Trella Farley with “Go Green.”
Swimmers Named Academic All-Americans
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 8, 2008
Nine CFISD swimming and water polo student athletes were named to the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) 2007-2008 Academic All-America Team, announced April 30.
The following CFISD athletes were chosen for the Academic All-America team:
Ashley Hanigan, Langham Creek HS, swim/water polo; Erin Kampschmidt, Langham Creek HS, swim; Jennifer Lamb, Cy-Fair HS, swim; Madeleine Morris, Cy-Fair HS, swim/water polo; Veronica Partridge, Cy-Fair HS, water polo; Max Brown, Langham Creek HS, swim/water polo; Clayton Martin, Cypress Springs HS, swim/water polo; Naohiro Matsumura, Cy-Fair HS, swim; and Andrew Tharp, Cy-Fair HS, swim.
Students Place at State Academic Meet
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 5, 2008
Three CFISD students and one team placed in the top six of their respective competitions at the 2008 UIL State Academic Meet, held May 2-3 at the University of Texas.
Nick Cugini of Cypress Ridge High School won first place in Persuasive Speaking. It marked the second state championship for Cugini this year; he also won the title in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking at the Texas Forensic Association Meet in March.
Tasnoba Musrat of Cypress Falls High School placed second in Feature Writing in her first trip to the state competition after writing a story based on a live interview and press release.
Additionally, Cypress Creek High School tied for fifth place in the One-Act Play and Julian Borrego of Cypress Falls High School placed fifth in Computer Science.
Cypress Ridge High School student Nick Cugini, right, wears the gold medal he earned at the UIL State Academic Meet in Persuasive Speaking last weekend. Cugini is pictured with Cypress Ridge speech and debate coach Scott Baker.
Truitt MS Wins Astros Essay Contest
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 4, 2008
Truitt Middle School was notified on Monday that it was one of the four Houston-area winners in the Houston Astros Fielder’s Choice Program essay contest. As contest winners, sixth-grade students will receive a visit from Astros relief pitcher Oscar Villarreal and TV play-by-play announcer Bill Brown on Wednesday, May 7.
Truitt sixth-grade students submitted essays that answered the question, “How does making good choices affect you having a safe and successful future?” Villarreal and Brown will address sixth-grade students during a 1 p.m. assembly at Truitt on the importance of making good choices. In addition to the visit, winning schools will each receive 500 tickets to an Astros game, and students will receive a special certificate and coupon from Whataburger.
Cy-Woods Student Wins Writing Award
Posted May 4, 2008
Cypress Woods High School sophomore Katherine Nguyen was recently announced as a winner of a 2008 National Gold Scholastic Writing Award.
Nguyen won the award for her personal essay/memoir entitled “The Scars That Bind Us.”
This is the second time Nguyen has won a National Gold Scholastic Writing Award. As an eighth-grade student in 2006, her personal essay/memoir entitled “Birthday Candles” was an award winner. Nguyen will join all National Award winners in being honored at a June 5 ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Inaugural LSC-CyFair and UH-Downtown Program Students Graduating Soon
Cy-Fair - Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 1, 2008
Dreams of becoming a teacher will be realized this summer and fall for the inaugural class earning their University of Houston bachelor's degree at Lone Star College Cy-Fair campus. In May 2006, LSC-CyFair President Dr. Diane Troyer and UH-Downtown President Dr. Max Castillo signed a teacher education articulation agreement that helps students not only reach their educational goals, but start careers in teaching.
For information, contact LSC-Cy-Fair Teacher Certification Program at 281-290-3957 or UH-Downtown College of Public Service Advising Center at 713-221-8906.
Future teacher Nicole Morgan mentors Rashad Henry, a fourth-grader at Andre Elementary School, where Morgan is also a paraprofessional.
Four LSC-CyFair Students Earn National Honors in New York
Cy-Fair - Cypress, Texas News
Posted May 1, 2008
Four Lone Star College-CyFair students, along-side other Lone Star College System students, earned the Distinguished Delegation Award at the National Model United Nations Conference for the first time in LSC history.
They all gained an increased understanding of the difficulty of international diplomacy as well as skills that will help them throughout their education and careers.
For information on the Model UN club, contact the professor of political science, at 281-290-5919.
LSC-CyFair Distinguished Delegation members, representing Myanmar at the Model United Nations Conference, are from left Dehua Lea, Mahrukh Nasir, Katrina Vera, Jennifer Gonzalez and advisor Amy Acord.
Golfers Wrap up at Regionals
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 30, 2008
CFISD golfers wrapped up their seasons after the Region III Championships, held last week at the Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu.
In the girls’ competition, Jersey Village High School golfer Audrey Koncaba was CFISD’s top individual with a 170, tied for 17th overall. Cypress Woods High School, consisting of team members Taylor Sloane, Jordan Sloane, Casey Gilbert, Emily Franco and Lauryn Vermaas, was CFISD’s top team, shooting a 917 for sixth place overall.
In the boys’ competition, Cy-Fair High School golfer Jordan Rumora shot a 160 to tie for 18th place overall. Cypress Falls High School, consisting of team members Jack Swanson, Joseph Reynolds, Matt McGlothlin, Josh Rosas and Jacob Pope, shot an 841 for 10th place overall.
SAM’S CLUB Recognizes Local Students
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 30, 2008
Sam’s Club awarded Prithviraj Singha-Roy of Cypress Falls High School and Tia Scott of Cypress Ridge High School with a Sam Walton Community Scholarship. Each student received a $1,000 award, payable over one year. The Sam Walton Community Scholarship, named after the company’s late founder, is awarded annually to deserving college-bound high school seniors or students who will have obtained a GED certificate between August 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Scott plans to attend Rice University this fall and Singha-Roy will attend University of Texas.
Student Awards Banquet Recognizes Outstanding Achievements
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 30, 2008
Along with the academic achievements being celebrated as another semester closes, are the outstanding achievements of students in the more than 40 Lone Star College-CyFair student organizations. The recent Student Awards Banquet highlighted the variety of clubs available and recognized the impact such clubs, students and sponsors, make across the campus.
Award winners follow:
Outstanding New Club of the Year – The Pool Club
Outstanding Club of the Year – Phi Theta Kappa
Outstanding Club Member of the Year - Veronica Lee Salinas
Outstanding Club Officer of the Year - Dehua Lea
Outstanding Sponsor of the Year – Amy Acord
Student Activities Unsung Hero Award – Marcus Smith
In addition, Laura Galvan was recognized for her winning essay in the Women’s Month Essay Contest and Soyoung Chun earned the Outstanding Service Learning Student of the Year.
For information on student organizations, go to CyFair.LoneStar.edu/studentactivities or call 281-290-3270.
Four Students Win the “Who’s Your Hero?” Speech Contest
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 30, 2008
Arnold Schwarzenegger, John F. Kennedy, and others deemed “heroes” helped students win the recent “Who’s Your Hero?” speech contest at Lone Star College-CyFair.
Taylor Griffin won first place and a $100 Target gift card; Melissa Abney took second and earned a $75 Target gift card; Lesly Bohuchot was third and received a $50 Target gift card and Patricia Machado finished fourth and got a $25 Target gift card.
Among the other “heroes” of the student speeches were their dads, a popular choice, Aristotle, themselves (“I am my own hero”) and children. The LSC-CyFair Speech Department’s first annual “Who’s Your Hero?” speech contest, that was open to all students enrolled in a speech communication class, drew 10 presenters and more than 75 people in attendance.
For students interested in speech and debate, contact Matt Taylor about the Forensics Club at 832-782-5066. For information on the speech department, contact 281-290-3914.
Fighting Ducks Season Competitive and Challenging
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 30, 2008
It was a challenging year for the Lone Star College-CyFair Fighting Ducks Basketball Team, but with some outstanding teamwork, the team has an overall three-season record of 52 wins and 40 losses. Opponents this season included Temple College, Blinn College, Eastfield College, Colin County College, Mountain View College, Lamar State College, Cedar Valley College and Midland College.
They did not have a home gym and played most games on the road. The Fighting Ducks took second place in the Lone Star College System sports league with a record of 8 wins and 1 loss, and placed third in the annual tournament.
This LSC-CyFair coach is proud of all his players, particularly for the following students who made outstanding contributions to the 2007 – 2008 team including Aaron Hall, who was voted MVP for his team leadership and dedication, Joe Nobles III, voted MVP runner-up, Jvon Ogletree, Thomas Richard, Triston Grounds, Robert Lihalikha, Radley Ryf and Dominic Davis. Other members of the Fighting Ducks Basketball Team for the 2007–2008 season are: Nate Broussard, Chiji Onyeise, Steve Walker, Willie Anders, Garret Newton, Enrae Green, Michael Welch, Jeremiah Stone, James Thai, Trey Richmond, Julio Fernandez and Calvin Harris.
Try outs for 2008-2009 basketball season will be held Aug. 25. Call Norris for information at 281-290-3926.
Whataburger Awards Cy-Fair's Key Club
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 26, 2008
Cy-Fair’s Key Club was recently notified that they were the recipients of the Whataburger Challenge Award and a $500 grant for their work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s “Stride and Ride” event. Officials from both Whataburger and MDA attended the club’s April 22 meeting to make the presentation.
Students Are Making A Difference As O Ambassadors
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 24, 2008
Students at Cypress Falls High School are participating in the O Ambassadors program, a joint project of Oprah's Angel Network and Free The Children. These students are working towards the UN Millennium Development Goals, learning about global issues and making a tangible difference in the lives of their peers in the developing world. They are part of a network of O Ambassadors clubs across North America that are working to find solutions to global challenges through active learning, idea-sharing and taking action. Through this program, youth in North America have the unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and become active and compassionate global citizens.
The funds raised by students at Cypress Falls High School will go towards holistic development projects in East Africa, West Africa, South Asia, East Asia and Latin America. Clubs have the opportunity to choose the world regions they would like to research and support. These projects provide local children and their families with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. All projects will be carried out in partnership with local communities. For more information, please visit oambassadors.org.
Champagne Notches Win No. 500
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 24, 2008
With the Cy-Fair High School baseball team’s 10-0 victory over Strake Jesuit on Tuesday evening, head coach Woody Champagne earned his 500th career victory. Champagne is in his 34th season of coaching. He began his career with six seasons at Aldine Eisenhower High School before coming to Cy-Fair HS for the next 28 seasons. The victory also clinched the District 17-5A record for the Bobcats. Champagne has won seven district championships with Cy-Fair.
(left) Former Major League Baseball pitcher Woody Williams, a 1984 Cy-Fair HS graduate, congratulates his former coach, Woody Champagne, on his 500th win.
(right) Cy-Fair baseball players hold signs to commemorate Coach Woody Champagne’s 500th career victory.
(bottom) Cy-Fair High School baseball players mob head coach Woody Champagne after giving him win No. 500 on Tuesday night at Cy-Fair High School.
Hospital Receives Prestigious Award
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 24, 2008
Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) announced today that Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center in Houston has been selected to the company’s 2008 Circle of Excellence.
The Circle of Excellence honors those Tenet hospitals that have performed at the highest levels in the past year in the areas of quality, service and operation performance. Key factors involved in the process include patient, physician and employee satisfaction scores, clinical quality scores and financial performance.
To learn more about Cy-Fair Regional Health Network, please visit cyfairregionalhealthnetwork.com.
Beta Lambda Mu President Honored as Guistwhite Scholar
Cy-Fair - Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 24, 2008
Belsis Romero, Lone Star College-CyFair Beta Lambda Mu Chapter President, was recently honored as a Guistwhite Scholar at the Phi Theta Kappa 90th Annual International Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Romero graduates in May and then plans to transfer to Houston Baptist University to pursue a double major in political science and Christianity. A minister’s daughter, Romero wants to become a church leader and legal representative. She said she gained leadership skills and numerous friends getting involved in organizations at Lone Star College-Fairbanks Center and then Lone Star College-CyFair. She served on college committees, participated in the Lone Star College System’s Collegiate Leadership Institute and earned scholarships through service in the Student Ambassador Program and Phi Theta Kappa. She was Vice President of Outreach for the Student Government Association and was Vice President of Service prior to becoming president of Beta Lambda Mu.
Students Sing and Dance Way to Top Prizes
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 22, 2008
Two vocalists and eight dancers won the top prizes at the Fourth Annual Student Talent Show “Hollywood Boulevard” at Lone Star College-CyFair.
Pianist and vocalist Hans Stockenberger won first-place honors performing an original song “Shine.”
Second-place honors went to the Salsa Latin Flavor dancers performing Salsa and Bachata. Dancers included Margarita Aguilera, Cynthia Fulgencio, Veronica Honstein, Alejandro Jiminez, Jose Luis Najera, Gabriela Rodriguez, Andres Valencia and Santiago Valencia.
Vocalist Mark Samson took third-place honors performing an original song “Reciprocal Thing.”
First place winner Hans Stockenberger
Lowery Students Plant Garden
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 22, 2008
Lowery Elementary School kindergarten students planted flowers donated by Wal-Mart in the school’s butterfly garden last week as part of Lowery’s Earth Day celebration.
Volunteers from Wal-Mart came to Lowery on Saturday, April 12 to mulch and weed the garden, as well as donate four new garden benches, three picnic tables and several wind chimes. The kindergarten students planted the flowers on Tuesday morning, April 15.
(left) Lowery Elementary School kindergarten student Raven Higgins waters newly planted flowers in the school’s butterfly garden last week. (right) Kindergarten student Michael Fricks surrounds a newly planted flower with dirt and mulch.
Adam Teacher Wins Educator Award
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 22, 2008
Adam Elementary School kindergarten teacher Christi Lee was named the winner of the 9th annual Marian and Speros Martel Early Childhood Educator Award. The award, sponsored by the Children’s Museum of Houston and the Rice University Marian and Speros Martel College, is presented annually to an outstanding professional who possesses an exemplary commitment to the education of young children in Houston. Lee was selected by a committee of education professionals who reviewed numerous candidate profiles and observed them in their classrooms. She submitted a portfolio that included information about her teaching, philosophy of education and classroom procedures.
Lee will be awarded with a $1,000 honorarium and a one-year membership to the Children’s Museum of Houston. She will be honored during a luncheon at the museum on Saturday, April 26.
Cy-Fair Student a Runner-up for Best Teen Chef 2008
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 20, 2008
Cy-Fair High School senior Alexandra Ankney received the silver medal at The Art Institute of Houston’s Best Teen Chef 2008 competition, held last weekend at The International Culinary School. With a recipe memorized and two hours to do her best, she created a masterpiece of two appetizing courses: Shrimp Cocktail and Chicken Concassé with Rice Pilaf and Broccoli Sauté. Along with the silver medal, Ankney received a $3,000 scholarship toward the Art Institute of Houston.
Cy-Fair High School senior Alexandra Ankney, third from left, wears the silver medal she won in the Best Teen Chef 2008 competition. Ankney is pictured with judges, from left, sous chef Abbey Lewellyn of Valentino’s Seafood, executive chef Devin Corbett of Valentino’s Seafood and executive chef George Christie of Christie’s Seafood and Steaks.
Teacher a Finalist for H-E-B Teaching Award
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 20, 2008
Cy-Fair High School English teacher Christie McWilliams was recently announced by H-E-B as a finalist for the 2008 Excellence In Education Leadership Award. For being named a finalist, H-E-B awarded McWilliams and the high school both a $1,000 check during a surprise classroom visit in late March. She and four other secondary teacher finalists from Texas will compete for the $10,000 cash prize plus a $10,000 grant for their school—the winner of which will be announced in an awards ceremony on Sunday, May 4 at The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center.
Cy-Fair High School English teacher Christie McWilliams is surprised by H-E-B representatives—including mascot H-E-Buddy—on March 24 with a $1,000 check, for being named a finalist for the 2008 Excellence In Education Leadership Award.
Cy-Fair Lacrosse Team Undefeated
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 16, 2008
The Cy-Fair Ironmen Lacrosse team finished their first total season undefeated last night with a win over rival Klein 16 - 9. The defending State Champions won all of their district games this year, which they accomplished last year as well, and won their games against 3 Division I teams this year - a first in the 18 year history of the team. As the top team in the area, the Ironmen have a bye in the first round of the District play-offs and will meet either Taylor, Klein, Clear Lake or Stratford in the semi-finals. The State Championship Tournament is being hosted by Friendswood Lacrosse at their high school the weekend of May 10 & 11.
Students Advance to UIL Academic State Meet
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 15, 2008
Seven individuals and one team of CFISD students placed in the top three at the Region III UIL Academic Meet, held April 11-12 at Alief Taylor High School, and will advance to the Academic State Meet, to be held May 2-3 at the University of Texas.
UIL Regionals 1: Cypress Ridge High School interpretation competitors, from left, Brett Gray, Ana Madrid, Lario Albarran and Erica Pratt, await results at the Region III UIL Academic Meet last weekend.
UIL Regionals 2: Cy-Fair High School student Chloe Beard placed second in News Writing and UIL Regionals 3: Cypress Falls High School student Tasnoba Nusrat placed third in Feature Writing.
Students Place in Local Art Contest
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 15, 2008
(1)Brown’s “Reflections of Cypress” and (2)Caballero’s “Dizzy Plant”
Two CFISD students placed in the 2008 Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts Student Art Contest. Ault Elementary School third-grade student Alexis Brown won third place in Division I (grades 1-5) for her artwork entitled “Reflections of Cypress.” Her art teacher is Kathy Harris.
Labay Middle School sixth-grade student Ashley Caballero won third place in Division II (grades 6-8) for her piece, entitled “Dizzy Plant.” Her art teacher is Lisa Gregory.
Both Brown and Caballero will be recognized during an awards ceremony on Saturday, April 19, at 1 p.m. at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts (6815 Cypresswood Dr.) in Spring.
Teacher Receives Grant to Work in Amazon
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 15, 2008
McFee Elementary School kindergarten teacher Tana Congi was notified last month that she had won a Fund for Teachers (FFT) grant to work with the nonprofit Global Vision International in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest this summer. Congi, who has been fascinated with the rainforest from a young age, applied for the grant in 2007 but didn’t receive it; she was excited when her grant request was approved the second time around.
Congi, who is in her first year with CFISD, will be staying in a remote village located between Tena and Coca where she will research conservation and teach English to the local children. Surrounded by nature, she plans to document her trip with numerous photos and video clips that she can bring back to her classroom. She plans on having a rainforest theme for her classroom next year and teaching conservation practices to her students that she will have learned firsthand in the Amazon.
Congi was one of 60 Houston-area teachers out of 448 applicants to receive a 2008 FFT grant. FFT awarded a total of $401,871 to teachers to support their personal and professional growth.
Credit Union Accepting Scholarship Applications
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 15, 2008
TexasOne Community Credit Union has adopted Holbrook Elementary School. Through the adoption program, the Credit Union will mentor and tutor students, motivate and reward teachers and provide much needed office equipment to the school.
Holbrook Elementary School is in the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District. The school is considered a Title 1 School, which means that at least 40% of the children are from low-income families. Since Holbrook is a Title 1 School, they lack the necessary resources to provide gifts of time and money to the students and faculty, resulting in lower than average TAKS scores. Due to the lower scores, the school is unable to obtain funds for necessary school improvements. The Credit Union staff will start a mentoring and tutoring program with the students in April. The Credit Union staff will also sponsor a day during Teacher Appreciation Week, in which they will provide food and gifts to the Holbrook staff.
If you would like to join the Credit Union or donate to Holbrook Elementary School, please call Lauren Stockard at 713-460-1661 x 141.
Patterson named Flight of Teacher Liaison
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 14, 2008
Hamilton Middle School science teacher Mary Patterson was recently selected as a 2008 Flight of Teacher Liaison by the Space Foundation—an international nonprofit specializing in space awareness activities, major industry events and educational enterprises that bring space into the classroom. As a result of being selected, Patterson was one of 69 individuals chosen to participate in a professional development workshop in conjunction with the 24th National Space Symposium, held April 7-10 in Colorado Springs, Colo. She was one of only two Texans at the conference. The Space Foundation’s Teacher Liaison program, now in its fifth year, selects teachers who actively promote space and science education in the classroom and the community. Those chosen for this honor serve as advocates for space science education, and conduits into their classrooms, schools and districts.
Hamilton Middle School science teacher Mary Patterson, left, meets Col. Eileen Collins, USAF (Ret.), during the 24th National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colo., last week.
Golfers Advance to Regionals
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 14, 2008
The Cypress Falls High School golf team shot a two-day total of 631 to place second behind champion Strake Jesuit at the District 17-5A Boys Golf Championships, held last week at Cypress Lakes Golf Club.
The Cypress Woods High School golf team shot a two-day total of 699 to win the District 17-5A Girls Golf Championships. Cypress Falls High School finished second with a 735.
They will all advance to the Region III Championships, to be held April 21-22 at Eagle Point Golf Club (12440 Eagle Pointe Dr.) in Mont Belvieu.
Garcia, Hull Named New Associate Superintendents
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Posted April 14, 2008
CFISD Superintendent Dr. David Anthony announced two new associate superintendents during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Thursday, April 10.
Roy Garcia, the current assistant superintendent for secondary school administration, was named the associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction and school administration for the 2008-2009 school year. Garcia has 19 years of educational experience and has a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University, a Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University and is certified in Secondary Science, Physical Education and Health Mid-Management.
Teresa Hull, the current assistant superintendent for human resources, was named the associate superintendent for human resources and student services for the 2008-2009 school year. Hull has 21 years of educational experience and has a Bachelor of Science from Lamar University and a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University. She holds certifications in Composite Social Studies and Mid-Management.
Debaters Shine at Space City National Qualifier
Posted April 10, 2008
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
Debate students from Cypress Ridge, Cypress Woods, and Langham Creek high schools displayed strong performances at the Space City Speech & Debate National Qualifier, held last weekend at Fort Bend Marshall High School.
Cypress Ridge presented winners in first, second, and third places. Other winners included a second-place winner from Langham Creek and a third place team from Cypress Woods.
The Cypress Ridge High School Speech & Debate team celebrates several of its national qualifiers: (L to R) Ana Madrid, Coach Scott Baker, Lario Albarran, Bradley Rheinboldt and Brett Gray.
Records Set by CFISD Stackers
Posted April 10, 2008
Cy-Fair – Cypress, Texas News
CFISD sport stackers set three world records, three national records, and five state records at the World Sport Stacking Association (WSSA) World Championships in Denver, Colo., April 5-6. District relay teams also captured 10 gold medals and two silver medals at the competition, which featured more than 1,100 of the best cup stackers from 34 states and eight countries. Schools that brought home awards included Sampson El., Hamilton El., and Goodson Middle.
