Inside Aldine - Aldine Independent School
Transcription
Inside Aldine - Aldine Independent School
Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Vol. 28, No. 4 Discover News, Information and More about Aldine ISD’s Schools AISD well represented at regionals A number of track and field athletes from Aldine ISD schools qualified for the Region 3 Track and Field Meet by placing in the top three in their respective events at the District 18-5A Meet. Read the story on page 4 Third special session results in school finance and other reforms After several attempts in previous regular and special sessions, the Third Called Session of the 79th Texas Legislature has produced a number of changes for Texans ranging from a reduction in school property taxes – which initially reduces revenue to schools – to the restructuring of other taxes along with tax increases to make up for the revenue loss. A number of additional school reforms are also in place. 14910 ALDINE WESTFIELD ROAD HOUSTON, TEXAS 77032-3099 ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NONPROFIT ORG. CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT U.S. POSTAGE PAID HOUSTON, TX PERMIT NO. 5194 In all, state lawmakers approved five bills that reflect the recommendations of the Sharp Commission, which was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to solve an unconstitutional state school finance system. The new legislation, signed by the Governor, reduces school property taxes in 2007 and 2008, and allows school districts to raise taxes by up to four cents (less than the property tax reduction) without an election. Additional tax increases beyond four cents to meet the rising cost of educating students will require voter approval. Among a number of additional measures, the new legislation also: Continued on page 2 Passing of the gavel Outgoing President Rick Ogden passed the gavel to Marine Jones during the June 13 Board meeting to signal the beginning of her tenure as president of the board. Jones will serve as president during the 2006-07 school year. Aldine ISD named TAPE recipient Aldine ISD was named the winner of the prestigious Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE), becoming one of only two school districts in the history of the state of Texas to have ever earned the award (Brazosport ISD was named a TAPE winner in 1998.). TAPE is an annual recognition of Texas organizations that excel in performance and the application of quality and customer satisfaction principles. The TAPE award is heralded by the Quality Texas Foundation as the state’s highest honor for quality and organizational performance. Public or private businesses, government agencies, public and private educational organizations, and nonprofit organizations located in Texas are eligible to apply for the award. A group of TAPE examiners visited the district April 10-12 and conducted extensive interviews with Superintendent Nadine Kujawa and her administrative team, as well as site visits to various campuses in the district. Aldine ISD qualified for an official site visit after the Quality Texas Foundation judged its application worthy of a site visit. In naming Aldine ISD as one of four winners of this year’s award, Quality Texas Board Chairman David Branch praised AISD for its commitment to excellence. “I am pleased to announce the selection of Aldine ISD as one of the four recipients of the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. The men and women associated with this school district have set a new standard for excellence through their diligent effort in the pursuit of performance excellence.” Patterned after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award criteria and process, TAPE was established in 1994 as an annual recognition of Texas organizations that have achieved performance excellence and applied outstanding quality principles in their day-to-day operations. Aldine and the other three recipients were selected from among 13 applicants. AISD was evaluated rigorously by an independent board of examiners in seven areas: leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, human resource focus, process management, and results. “This is an outstanding accomplishment and one that all of us should take great pride in,” said Aldine ISD Superintendent Nadine Kujawa. “This award validates the district as a quality organization that focuses on meeting the educational needs of our students. I want to thank our Board for providing the leadership and guidance, the hard-working and dedicated administrators, teachers, and support staff who worked tirelessly preparing our students. We are all about providing a quality education, and it is Continued on page 2 Eagles soar to Class 5A state track title Members of the Eisenhower High track team had dreamed of this day since middle school, and while they knew they were talented enough to get the job done, they also knew it would take hard work, pain and perseverance to realize their goal of bringing a state track title to the halls of Eisenhower High School. Mission accomplished! On May 13, the Eisenhower boys’ track and field team cruised to the Class 5A state title thanks to first place finishes in the 400-meter Continued on page 4 The Eisenhower High School boys’ track team won the Class 5A state title, becoming the first track team in the history of Aldine ISD to win a state championship. Pictured with their state trophy are (l-r): Jocques Robinson, Frank Eugene, Freddie Brown, Randy Johnson, Brandon Myers, Otis Johnson and head coach Michael Cheney. M.O. Campbell receives ASF Community Star Award Former Aldine ISD Superintendent M.O. Campbell received the Aldine Scholarship Foundation (ASF) Community Star Award during a luncheon held in his honor in the facility named for him, the M.O. Campbell Educational Center. Campbell, who served as superintendent from 1973-86, was honored for his commitment and dedication to educating the youth in Aldine during his 32 years with the district. Campbell began his career in Aldine in 1954 as a teacher. During his four decades with the district, he also served as a counselor, dean of male students at Aldine High School, principal, assistant superintendent of finance, and deputy superintendent before he was named superintendent of schools in 1973. Campbell’s vision and leadership helped steer the district during a difficult period in its history. In the early 1960s, the district was embroiled in financial difficulties that were evidenced by substantial debt, the highest tax rate in Harris County and the lowest teachers’ salaries in the county. Campbell accepted the challenge of righting the ship by accepting the position of assistant superintendent of finance. By the time he was named superintendent in 1973, Aldine was operating on a cash basis with one of the lowest tax rates in Harris County and teacher salaries that were among the top five in the county. During his superintendency, the district grew into one of the largest in the Houston area. He was responsible for creating the positions of on-staff attorney and general contractor; Continued on page 3 Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 2 Schools & Community School Board: President Rick Ogden (right) congratulates A.W. Jones for his 30 years of service on the Aldine school board. Martin, Paradise chosen top teachers in Aldine ISD Dear Parents and Education Partners: Another school year has ended and what a year it was! Our team faced a number of challenges and managed them with a great deal of success. We began the year knowing it would be a year of change, but I do not think any of us realized just how much change we would encounter. Just weeks into the year, two major hurricanes, Katrina and Rita, ravaged the Gulf Coast area and presented us with the opportunity to become a new home to over 3,000 students and their families who were uprooted from their communities. I am so pleased with the way our community responded to the needs of our neighbors. I want to commend school administrators and teachers who helped our new students assimilate into the school system. For our high schools and our middle schools, this was a year-long project. With patience, understanding, and diligence our new students began to feel at home and moved forward with their academic studies. Academically, almost every grade level demonstrated growth in mastering the skills required in each grade. Our special education and limited English proficient youngsters really had a good year. I want to personally thank the principals, teachers, support staff and parents who worked so hard after the regular school day and on Saturdays to make sure that none of our children were left behind. School finance was again an issue in the Texas Legislature. The funding of our schools became the focus of yet another special session. Texas now has a new school finance system that will provide property tax relief for homeowners, supply additional resources for our students, and provide a well-deserved pay increase for our teachers. We ended the year with a tremendous honor. Aldine ISD was named the winner of the Texas Award for Performance Excellence. This award is the state’s highest honor for quality and organizational performance. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of our team despite the enormous challenges we faced this year. We still have work to do, but I assure you we are up to the task and look forward to meeting new challenges. I appreciate the support we have received from the community in helping make this a successful year in Aldine ISD. I hope all of you have a wonderful summer. Sincerely, Nadine Kujawa, Superintendent of Schools SHABE honors Ortiz Michelle Martin of Keeble EC/PK Center and Aymi Paradise of Hall Center for Education were named AISD Teachers of the Year during the district’s annual Teacher of the Year Breakfast, held March 31 at the DoubleTree Houston Intercontinental Airport Hotel. Martin was named AISD’s Elementary/Intermediate Teacher of the Year, while Paradise was named the Secondary Teacher of the Year. Martin and Paradise were selected from six finalists chosen for the prestigious award by a committee of fellow teachers, administrators and community members. The four other finalists were Tapati Sarkar of Bethune Academy, Caroline Villarreal of Odom Elementary, Perla “Consuelo” de Castro-Herz of Hambrick Middle School and Mike Hall of MacArthur Senior High School. Martin, Paradise, the four finalists and the campus Teachers of the Year, were also honored by a number of North Houston/Greenspoint area businesses that donated gifts to them. Continental Airlines presented Martin and Paradise each with a roundtrip airline ticket to anywhere Continental flies in the continental United States. InvesTex Credit Union presented each winner with $200, while Robbins AutoMall presented the two winners with $100 each and Fitness Connection presented the two overall winners with a personal training package. International Vending Management awarded Martin and Paradise each a $50 gift certificate to Saltgrass Restaurant, while the DoubleTree Hotel presented the two winners with a gift certificate for a weekend stay and breakfast. The Houston Rockets presented the two winners and four finalists each with a gift bag and awarded the two winners with two tickets for a Houston Comets game during the 2006 season. North Houston Bank presented the two winners and four finalists with a $100 Foley’s gift card, while Brookside Funeral Home presented the four finalists each a $50 gift card Pictured are Aldine ISD Board of Education President Rick Ogden, the two winners, Michelle Martin and Aymi Paradise, and Superintendent Nadine Kujawa. to Steak-N-Ale and Mamacita’s restaurants. The Holiday Inn on JFK Blvd. presented the four finalists each with a weekend stay and breakfast, while City View Apartments awarded the four finalists and two winners with gift baskets. Halliburton donated $1,500 that was used to purchase gift cards from Outback Steakhouse for all 64 campus Teachers of the Year, while Gallery Furniture presented all of the campus Teachers of the Year with a $200 Gallery Furniture gift certificate and tickets to the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships. The Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel provided a oneweekend night’s stay, which went to one of the campus Teachers of the Year in a drawing. Martin said she cherishes her work and strives to motivate her young students. “I like to get down to the children’s level and let them know that I am part of their team,” she said. “I like to praise a job well done to encourage children to do their best. If few are learning, I must question my methods and try new ones. I must be prepared, expect the unexpected and make learning fun.” Paradise said she wants to be an example for her students so they will be encouraged to set and attain goals. “As role models, we should approach learning with a truly open mind and excited curiosity,” she said. “I strive to be a model of learning. This not only makes me informed, it makes me a better teacher. In addition to being a subject-matter expert, I take the time to get to know my students. Once they know I truly care, they are willing to take risks. This helps build their self-esteem: a major determining factor to their success.” Cindy Buchanan, AISD library management systems administrator, chaired the Teacher of the Year committee. The committee consisted of Carrie Durley, AISD executive director of human resources, Cindy Benge of MacArthur Senior High School, Suzi Feickert of Worsham Elementary School, Linda Peduzzi of Gray Elementary School, Mike Taylor of Carver High School, Carolyn Milton of Plummer Middle School and parent Dawn Lira. Mead, Ogden, Smith returned to Aldine ISD school board; Avalos elected to serve Voters in Aldine ISD returned three incumbents to their respective seats and elected a new member to the Board of Education on Saturday, May 13. Steve Mead returned to the Position 5 seat, while Rick Ogden returned to the Position 4 seat and Dr. Alton Smith returned to the Position 2 seat. Former MacArthur Senior High School principal Rose Avalos defeated incumbent Art Murillo in the race for the Position 3 seat. Avalos received 839 votes to Murillo’s 539 votes to earn the Position 3 seat. Mead defeated Jacqueline Davis Shafer. He received 766 votes to Shafer’s 657. Dr. Smith defeated Sidney Brewer, Raul Garza and Shawnette Shields. Dr. Smith received 870 votes, while Brewer received 298, Garza received 165 and Shields received 83. Ogden defeated Janice Weaver and Adrian Sauceda. He received 716 votes, while Weaver received 613 and Sauceda received 95. Mead, Ogden, Dr. Smith, Avalos, Marine Jones, A.W. Jones and Dr. Viola M. García will all serve on the board for the 2006-2007 school year. Dr. Alton Smith, Position 2 Rose Avalos, Position 3 Rick Ogden, Position 4 Steve Mead, Position 5 The organization named Neisa Ortiz of Plummer Middle School the ESL Secondary Teacher of the Year. The Suburban Houston Association for Bilingual Education (SHABE) held a banquet to honor the area bilingual and ESL (English as a Second Language) Teachers of the Year in April at the DoubleTree Houston Intercontinental Hotel. Congratulations also go out to Katherine Anderson of Carter Academy and Micheal Ann LaBonte of Ermel Elementary School. They are AISD’s Elementary Bilingual Teacher of the Year and Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year. Ortiz represented AISD at SHABE as the school district’s ESL Secondary Teacher of the Year. She will now compete for the Texas Association of Bilingual Educators’ Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year. Aldine ISD named TAPE recipient Continued from page 1 great to be recognized for all of the wonderful things we are accomplishing as a team.” Aldine ISD, along with the other three winners, received their award at the Texas Award Ceremony, on June 15 at the Renaissance DallasRichardson Hotel. Aldine ISD staff members presented at the Texas Quest for Excellence Conference, on June 16. Third special session results in school finance and other reforms Continued from page 1 •funds a salary increase for teachers, counselors, librarians and school nurses; •requires the State Board of Education to add a fourth credit in math and science to the Recommended and Distinguished high school curriculum; •restructures the state’s franchise tax and business tax; •increases the cigarette/tobacco products tax and the motor vehicle sales tax; and •requires school districts to start the school year no earlier than the fourth Monday in August beginning in 2007-08. While some observers believe that the restructured school finance system will generate enough revenue to adequately fund public education, others suggest that the plan will create a deficit in the state’s budget in three years and lead to budget reductions and additional state tax increases. State lawmakers are scheduled to return to Austin on January 2, when the 80th Texas Legislature convenes and the debate over additional school reforms is expected to begin. Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 3 Schools & Community Kathleen Leos of the U.S. Department of Education recently visited Keeble EC/PK Center. Campbell receives ASF Community Star Award Continued from page 1 Aldine’s instructional and staff performance also excelled under Campbell’s leadership. During his tenure, the gifted and talented program and the nutrition and training programs earned widespread acclaim. Another of his initiatives was the advanced visual arts program – the predecessor of today’s nationally honored magnet school program. He also initiated an annual employee awards banquet. Campbell also served the Aldine community by devoting numerous hours toward securing practice fields for Little League and Pony League teams and by providing after-school activities through the YMCA. Also attending the luncheon were former Superintendents W.W. Thorne and M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson, current Superintendent Nadine Kujawa, members of Aldine ISD’s Board of Education, its administrative staff and former long-time employees and friends. Thorne and Donaldson shared memories of their years working for and with Campbell. “During the years I worked with MO, I never knew a more conscientious and hard-working educator,” Thorne said. Donaldson praised Campbell for his vision in turning Aldine from a small, rural school district into one of the largest school districts in the state. “Although a West Texan by birth, Mr. Campbell has spent a good portion of his life on the Texas Gulf Coast and for more than 50 years he has been vitally linked to Aldine ISD and this community,” Donaldson said. In addition to being honored with the Community Star Award, Campbell received a resolution from the Aldine ISD Board of Education. He also received recognition from Precinct 4 County Commissioner Jerry Eversole and a proclamation from the North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce. Campbell also received congratulations from Houston Mayor Bill White, who proclaimed Tuesday, May 2, as “M.O. Campbell Day” in the city of Houston. State Senator John Whitmire also honored Campbell with a tribute. I m p o rt a n t E v e n t s July 4 Independence Day Holiday 18 School Board Meeting August 10 First Day of Instruction 15 School Board Meeting September 4 Labor Day Holiday 19 School Board Meeting Aldine’s Vision Produce the Nation’s Best Our Mission We exist to prepare each student academically and socially to be a: • critical thinker; • problem solver; and • responsible and productive citizen. Questions and Answers We hope you enjoy this edition of Inside Aldine. If you have questions or comments about information included in this issue, our schools or operations, please call 713-756-7855 or visit www.aldine.k12.tx.us/feedback/. AISD Board approves calendar for 2006-07 50 Aldine ISD seniors earn ASF scholarships The Aldine Scholarship Foundation awarded the most college scholarships in its history during a reception held in the recipients’ honor on Thursday, May 18, at North Harris College. The scholarships will enable the 50 Aldine ISD graduates to attend North Harris College, or any campus in the North Harris Montgomery Community College District. Since 1991, ASF has awarded full tuition scholarships to 470 Aldine ISD graduates. This year’s recipients helped ASF eclipse the 500 barrier as 520 Aldine seniors have now received ASF scholarships. Seniors who received scholarships were: Tiquisha Anderson, Aleida Barrientos, Da’Kari Franklin, Erica Leal, Elizabeth Rios and Leslie Rodríguez, who all received Aldine ISD Awards; Mai-Lam Dinh, who received the Aldine Improvement District Award; Josephine Bustos and María Rodríguez, who received the Aldine Noon Optimist Club Award; Bridget Benítez, who received the Aaron Glenn Award; Denise Martínez, who received the Deannie Merritt Award; Jessica de León, who received the Donnie Drawhorn Award; Moises Sibrián, who received the Doris Davis Award; and Flor Almendárez and Thanh Nguyen, who received the Gallery Furniture Award. Other AISD seniors who received scholarships were: Jennifer Rosales, who received the Glenn and Linda Huntley Award; Judy Briones and Jonathan Green, who received the Greater Inwood Partnership Award; Alberta Nichols, who received the Harvey and Yvonne Stotts Award; Pearl Taylor and Jazmín Quijano, who received the Houston-Aldine Lions Club Award; Jacob García, who received the John E. Pickelman Award; Verónica Muñiz, who received the MacArthur Senior High Award; Blanca Jane and Jacklyine Sánchez, who received the M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson Award; Giovanna Alverez and Kendra Campos, who received the Motiva Award; Nelda Lerma, María Loya, Sonia Trujillo and Cristina Valdez, who received the North Harris College Award; and Vanessa Ledesma and Pablo Bermúdez, who received the North Houston Bank Award. Others who received scholarships were: Jesús-Evelin Velázquez and Azalia Quintanilla, who received the North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce Award; Stephen Hoffart, who received the Richard and Barbara Lee Memorial Award; María Briones, who received the Rigsdell Family Award; John Suárez, who received the Ron and Mary Oruc Award; Monica Loas, Rebecca Lona and Yessenia Carreón, who received the Stan and Suzanne St. Pierre Award; Gladys García, who received the Steve Mead Award; Alejandro Barrera and Natalee Walker, who received the Steven Parker Award; Rocío Polanco, David Dawkins, Diana del Real and Melissa Rojas, who received the SuperTravel Award; Patricia Pérez, who received the SuperTravel Aldine Teachers Award; and Sarah Watson, who received the W.W. Thorne Award. Prior to receiving their scholarships, the students were addressed by Aldine ISD Superintendent Nadine Kujawa, former ASF recipient Ada Avila and North Harris College President Dr. David Sam. ASF is a nonprofit organization made up of business people, educators, and members of Aldine ISD and North Harris College. Donations collected are invested and placed in certificates of investment with the principle remaining perpetually untouched. All investment proceeds are used to pay college tuition for Aldine ISD graduates to any campus in NHMCCD. Individuals who would like to contribute to Aldine Scholarship Foundation should contact (281) 618-5440. Five Aldine students receive PTA scholarships The Aldine Council of PTAs recently awarded scholarships to several Aldine ISD graduates. Joining the scholarship recipients at a reception held in their honor were Aldine ISD Superintendent Nadine Kujawa, far left in photograph, and Nancy Martin, president of the Aldine Council of PTAs. The students who received the scholarships were Viviana Barreiro of Aldine Senior High School and Jessica de León of MacArthur Senior High School who will attend North Harris College, Leonard Parker III of Carver High School who will attend Stanford University in California, Suuaina Ihanojia of Nimitz Senior High School who will attend Texas A&M University, and Avkeshiaa Williams of Eisenhower Senior High School who will attend Prairie View A&M University. Each received a $1,000 scholarship. Additionally, Hall Center for Education (the night high school) will receive two $500 scholarships. The money raised for the scholarships came from proceeds from the M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson Golf Tournament, held June 3 at Cypresswood Golf Club. The first day of instruction has been set for Thursday, Aug. 10. Trustees approved the following calendar for the 2006-07 school year: •Aug. 10: First Day of Instruction •Sept. 4: Labor Day holiday (students and staff) •Oct. 6: Staff development day (student holiday) •Oct. 9: Columbus Day holiday •Nov. 20-24: Thanksgiving holiday •Dec. 14: End of first semester (83 instructional days) •Dec. 15: Staff development day (student holiday) •Dec. 18-Jan. 1: Midwinter break •Jan. 2: Staff development day (student holiday) •Jan. 3: Beginning of second semester •Jan. 15: Martin Luther King holiday •Feb. 19: President’s Day holiday •March 12-16: Spring break •April 6: Staff development day (student holiday) •May 24: End of second semester (94 instructional days) •May 24: Last Day of Instruction •May 25: Staff development day •May 28: Memorial Day holiday Inclement weather days will be made up (if needed) Nov. 20-21 in the fall semester and Feb. 19 and May 25 in the spring semester. The Aldine Independent School District offers career and technology education in agriculture science, business education, career orientation, family and consumer science, health science technology, hospitality services, marketing education, technology education and trade and industrial technology. Admission to these programs is based on ability, aptitude, interest, grade level and class size. It is the policy of the Aldine Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap in its vocational programs, services, or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of the Aldine Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Aldine Independent School District will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Wanda Bamberg, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, 14910 Aldine Westfield Road, at (281) 985-6318, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, Charlotte J. Davis, director of guidance and counseling and at-risk students, 14909 Aldine Westfield Road, at (281) 985-6403. Aldine Independent School District does not discriminate against persons because of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, disabilities, economic status or language disability in employment, promotion or educational programming. Any complaints or grievances that cannot be solved at the campus level through the principal may be submitted in writing to Dr. Wanda Bamberg, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, 14910 Aldine Westfield Rd., Houston, TX 77032. Inside Aldine / Noticias de Aldine, June 15, 2005, is published quarterly by Aldine Independent School District, 14910 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, TX 77032-3099, Issue Vol. 27, No. 4, Spring 2005. Schools & Community Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 4 Regional Track Qualifiers Following is a list of the Aldine ISD boys and girls track athletes who qualified for the Region 3 Meet by finishing first, second or third in their respective events at the District 18-5A Track Meet. The MacArthur High School boys’ group took the team title with 138 points, while Eisenhower High finished second with 128 points. The Memorial girls’ team took the title with 194 points, followed by MacArthur girls’ team with 150 points. GIRLS DIVISION Student High School Place - Event Darneisha Turner Katina Williams Britnie Franklin Tyrolia Arthur Ashley Johnson Ashley Miller LaQuiche Watson Bobby Dorsey Sharoy Stewart Jessica Collins Sharoy Stewart Sanerica Davis Ashley Miller Jessica Collins LaShunda Phipps Rhonda Carter Sharoy Stewart Bobby Dorsey Marissa Wiley Aldine MacArthur Nimitz Aldine Eisenhower MacArthur Nimitz Aldine MacArthur MacArthur MacArthur Eisenhower MacArthur MacArthur Nimitz Nimitz MacArthur Aldine MacArthur 2nd - discus 3rd - discus 2nd - shot put 3rd - shot put 2nd - high jump 1st - triple jump 2nd - triple jump 1st - long jump 3rd - long jump 1st - 800m run 1st - 100m dash 2nd - 100m dash 3rd - 100m dash 1st - 400m dash 3rd - 400m dash 1st - 300m hurdles 1st - 200m dash 2nd - 200m dash 3rd - 200m dash High School Place - Event MacArthur Aldine MacArthur Nimitz 1st - 400m relay 2nd - 400m relay 1st - 1600m relay 3rd - 1600m relay BOYS DIVISION Student High School Place / Event Dwayne Green JeCorey Burley Matthew Noel Alex Johnson Darrius Lavalais Mister Alexander James Hughes Alvin Davis Richard Knotts Alvin Davis Brandon Stewart Jorge Castillo Cory Upshaw Matthew Stephenson David Murillo José Arroyo Freddie Brown Brandon Myers Randy Johnson Cedric Winton Aaron Hayes Aundrea Williams Nick Rosales Terrence Anderson Jocques Robinson Matthew Stephenson Cory Upshaw MacArthur MacArthur MacArthur MacArthur Nimitz Eisenhower Aldine Eisenhower Nimitz Eisenhower Nimitz MacArthur MacArthur Nimitz MacArthur MacArthur Eisenhower Eisenhower Eisenhower MacArthur Eisenhower Aldine MacArthur Aldine Eisenhower Nimitz MacArthur 3rd - discus 2nd - shot put 3rd - shot put 1st - high jump 2nd - high jump 1st - triple jump 2nd - triple jump 3rd - triple jump 1st - in long jump 2nd - long jump 3rd - long jump 1st - 3200m run 2nd - 3200m run 3rd - 3200m run 2nd - 800m run 2nd - 800m run 1st - 110m hurdles 1st - 100m dash 3rd - 100m dash 2nd - 400m dash 3rd - 400m dash 1st - 300m hurdles 3rd - 300m hurdles 2nd, 200m dash 3rd - 200m dash 2nd - 1600m run 3rd - 1600m run High School Place - Event Eisenhower Aldine Eisenhower Aldine MacArthur Aldine MacArthur 1st - 400m relay 2nd - 400m relay 1st - 800m relay 2nd - 800m relay 3rd - 800m relay 1st - 1600m relay 3rd - 1600m relay Eagles soar to Class 5A state track title Continued from page 1 and 800-meter relays and a first and second place finish in the 100-meter dash. Eisenhower became the first AISD track team to win a state title. Head coach Michael Cheney knew his team had the talent and drive to win state. They finished second a year ago and were determined to improve on that effort, he said. “I felt really happy for the kids,” Cheney said. “Just to see them very happy made me feel great.” Cheney added that the core of the team has been together since middle school and had developed a strong bond over the years. They pushed one another in practice to be the best they could be and when it was all said and done, they made quite an impression on those who attended the Class 5A State Track Meet, held at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin. The 400-meter relay team of Randy Johnson, Otis Johnson, Frank Eugene and Brandon Myers blazed to a 40.5 finish, which was the third fastest time ever recorded in the nation at the high school level. That same foursome cruised to victory in the 800-meter relay and along the way established a national federation record of 1:24.10, breaking Port Arthur Memorial’s 2003 record. Individually, Myers edged Randy Johnson for the gold medal in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.42. Randy Johnson finished second in 10.44. The Eagles accumulated 59 points at state. Cheney said his team’s work ethic had much to do with it winning state. “I’ve never coached a group this talented and one that was willing to do anything to get faster,” he said. “Most kids that are naturally talented are lazy, but this group worked hard to reach its goals.” The Eagles lost some key members to graduation, but Myers will return next year to defend his title in the 100-meters. “I’ll miss those guys (the seniors) a great deal, especially Otis Johnson. This young man came out there (to track) after signing a football scholarship (to Kansas State University). He didn’t have to run track, but he did to help his friends and to be a part of what we were trying to do.” That should tell you all you need to know about this group of youngsters, who went the extra mile to realize their dream and they were richly rewarded. Playground donated The Be An Angel Fund dedicated a new barrier-free playground at Johnson Elementary School on Tuesday, May 23. Spindletop Charities International awarded Be An Angel $40,000 to help fund the $51,459 project. Be An Angel funded the balance. On hand for the dedication ceremony were (l-r): AISD Board Member Steve Mead, Superintendent Nadine Kujawa, Don Wells of Spindletop International, Johnson Elementary therapist Brenda McCann, Be An Angel Executive Director Marty Boone, Principal Dr. Rebecca Hoyt and Nimitz Area Superintendent Dr. Doris Delaney, who were joined by a Johnson student who was one of the first to enjoy the new playground. Also in attendance at the dedication ceremony were Johnson Elementary students. U.S. Congressman Gene Green attended the Special Olympic Games Aldine ISD hosted. Several Aldine ISD grads receive Broad scholarships The Broad Foundation recently awarded $125,000 in college scholarships to 14 Aldine ISD graduates. Aldine ISD was one of five finalists for the 2005 Broad Prize for Urban Education. Tiquisha Anderson, Viviana Barreiro, José Dehuma, Iryna Dovzhuk, Emmanuel Enríquez, Victor Sánchez and Tina Vo of Aldine Senior High School; Paula Hernández and Jessica Lavergne of Carver High School; Felton McWhorter, Anelsy Robledo and Guadalupe Zamarripa of MacArthur Senior High School and Martha Alvarenga and Patricia Pérez of Nimitz Senior High School all received college scholarships from the Broad Foundation. “I am proud that deserving students in our nation’s most improved urban school districts will receive financial support through the Broad Prize scholarships to go on to college,” said Eli Broad, founder of The Broad Foundation. “Broad Prize scholars have worked hard to improve over the course of their high school career, and we are proud that they will go on to continue their academic success in college.” The $1 million Broad Prize for Urban Education is the largest education prize in the country and is awarded each year to urban school districts that are making the greatest overall improvement in student achievement, while at the same time reducing the performance gap among ethnic groups and between high- and low-income students. Unlike many traditional scholarships that are awarded to top tier students, Broad Prize scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors who have a demonstrated record of improving their grades over the course of their high school career, coupled with financial need. The AISD seniors are eligible for two- or four-year scholarships depending on the type of institution they choose to attend. Students who enroll in four-year institutions receive $10,000 scholarships paid out over four years ($2,500 per year). Students who enroll in twoyear institutions receive $2,500 scholarships paid out over two years ($1,250 per year). The scholarships and disbursement process is jointly managed by the Hispanic Scholarships Foundation and by the Scholarships and Recognition Programs, which is a program of The College Board administered by the Educational Testing Service. Since the Broad Prize was started in 2002, 470 students from the winning and finalist school districts have received college scholarships. The Broad Foundation was established in 1999 by Eli and Edythe Broad. The Foundation’s mission is to dramatically improve student achievement in urban public schools through better governance, management, labor relations, and competition. For more information on The Broad Foundation, contact their website at www. broadfoundation.org. Spring sports review Three Aldine ISD soccer teams and one baseball team qualified for postseason play this spring. For the first time two Aldine girls’ soccer teams, Aldine High and MacArthur High, reached the playoffs. In boys’ soccer, the MacArthur High Generals qualified for the playoffs with an 11-2-1 record in District 185A play. The Aldine varsity girls’ soccer team finished District 18-5A play with an 8-3-3 record under the direction of head coach Helen Davey and advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs. Top players for the Lady Mustangs were Anayeli Monroy, Sareth Marquéz, Maritza Sepúlveda, Elizabeth Quintana, Erika de Jesús, Fabiola Martínez, Perla Tamez, Margarita González, and Mayra González. The Lady Generals finished district play with a 7-5-2 record and also advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs. Leading the way for MacArthur were Araceli Ruiz, Soe Gardea, Desiree Rios, Marisol Cerón, Olga González, Lorena Guerrero, Haydee Gardea, Blanca Gómez and Brenda Pineda. The MacArthur boy’s team finished the year with a 17-2-3 season record and an 11-2-1 district mark under the direction of head coach José Copa and advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs. Top hands for the Generals were Abraham Bernal, Samuel Delgado, César Silva, Marcos Sánchez, Julio Martínez, Juan Beiza, Edgar Delgado, José Estrada and Rodrigo Carreón. In varsity boys’ baseball, the Nimtiz High Cougars, under the direction of Del Hinze, finished 19-11 on the season and 11-3 in District 185A play and earned a second-place finish. They also advanced to the bi-district round of the playoffs. Leading the way for the Cougars were Eric Deutsch, Ryan Babineaux, Zack Sanut, Chris Alicea, Adam Almendárez, Frankie Rodríguez and August LeBlanc. During the season, Hinze recorded his 500th victory as a high school baseball coach. Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 5 Join our current business partners 99 Cents Store A&L Postal Service Abitibi Recycling Corp Academy Sports & Outdoors Business Partnerships Eis Edveuryconae’stBuisoinenss Becoming a Business Partner Acosta’s Auto Center, Inc. Tell me about Aldine ISD. Acres Home Public Library Aldine ISD has approximately 56,000 students. Seventy-seven percent are economically disadvantaged and 24 percent (mobility rate) move from one campus to another or to another district during the course of the school year. AIG VALIC Airline Skate Aldine Benders Auto Church’s Chicken Cindy Butler City View Cleveland Regional Medical Center College Book Store Component Sale & Service Continental Airlines Cracker Barrel Crystal Inn & suites Dairy Queen Deskco Aldine Youth Alicia Villarreal Insurance Services ALL STAR VENDING Al’s Handy Hardware Ashley Harlan Tell me about the quality of Aldine’s education program. Discount Tire Aldine has earned seven Recognized ratings for academic achievement from the Texas Education Agency, and was one of five national finalists for the Broad Prize for Urban Education in 2004 and 2005. Doubletree hotel Intercontinental airport Augustin Garcia DOMINOS Dream Starters Dress Barn ExxonMobil AXA Advisors ExxonMobil Development Co. AXA Equitable Farmers Insurrance Baker Hughes Fiesta Barnes and Noble Firestone Tire Be an Angel Fund, Inc. First Service Credit Union Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Fisher Health Care Beltran Bros. Fitness Connection Greenspoint Best Buy Flowers Baking Co. Blackie’s Machine Shop Considering the demographics and quality of Aldine’s educational program, is there a need for business partnerships? Books Are Fun Boy Scouts of America Brentwood Baptist Church Absolutely. Aldine needs additional assistance to help all of our students perform at the same academic levels as students from more affluent communities. Business partners help Aldine neutralize the impact of poverty and mobility. From Aldine’s point of view, education is everyone’s business. Brookside Funeral Home Burger King Cajun Town Caldwell Watson Real Estate Group, Inc. How can businesses help Aldine ISD remain a high performing school district and continue to improve in the delivery of educational services? CASE Many campuses express the need for mentors, tutors, assistance with special projects, Texas Scholars and Career Day presenters, and assistance with school supplies. Cathedral of Saint Mattew Catholic Charities Century Limousine Service Gallery Furniture Gallup Organization Gayla Corp. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Gotcha Kovered Grady Butler Great Commission Great Time Skate Greater Greenspoint Management District Greenspoint Florist Contact any principal or Ben G. Wilson, assistant superintendent of community and governmental relations, at 281-9856202 or send an E-mail to bwilson@aldine.k12.tx.us. Hairston Photography Halliburton Harris County Sheriff’s Department Harris County Utility District #15 Harrris County Public Library - Aldine Branch CHI Title Group HAS Chic-Fil-A of Chuck E Cheese G&G Demolition Gulshan Enterprises Inc. Chase Bank Chili’s Restaurant Fry’s 10241 How can our company get involved? Ceramic Workshop Children’s Museum of Houston Friendly Mart Greenspoint Mall CC Express Airport Deerbrrok Mall Friedkin Business Services Nadine Kujawa Aldine ISD Superintendent of Schools Hasta LaPasta Hawes Hill & Associates, L.L.P. HCDE HEB Hewlett Packard Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 6 High’s Flowers Holiday Inn Intercontinental Home Depot Home Fragrance Holdings Hotel Sofitel Houston Airport System Business Partnerships Franklin Higgins Director of career and technology education, 281-985-6650. Second annual appreciation luncheon honors district’s partners HOUSTON AREA URBAN LEAGUE Houston Assoc. of Professional Landmen Houston Fire Dept. Houston Marriott North @ Greenspoint Houston TaeKwonDo Academy Humble Family Skate Center IBM International Airport Systems, City of Houston Investex Credit Union Inwood Forest Country Club J&B Technologies J&F Almendarez Ceramic Tile J&R Construction James A. Wise, CPA JC Office Solutions Jed’s Ace Hardware Joni Weir Jump Bunch Sports and Fitness Kardia-Logistics Kentucky Fried Chicken Kids Foot Locker Kingwood Medical Center Komputer World Kroger Kroger Gift Services Lain Brown Laser Quest LD Fundraising Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Liberty Tax Serivce Aldine’s administrators and staff thanked more than 100 business partners of the district at an annual appreciation luncheon held in June at the DoubleTree Hotel near Bush Intercontinental Airport. Business partners included large corporations, small businesses and non-profit organizations. After hearing a brief address on the importance of partnerships to schools from Terry Ross, principal of Black Elementary, those in attendance enjoyed the highlight of the event when principals and campus representatives presented certificates and individually thanked partners for their donations and other contributions in 2005-06. Superintendent Nadine Kujawa joined schools in appreciating partners for making Aldine ISD a community that supports learning. Following are only a few of the many tributes principals or campus staff paid in honoring campus partners. LIFE Impact Gospel Lifetouch Linda Ward Lisa Courtnage Litma King “Vicky Denton of Southwest Teacher Supply provides our staff with incentives throughout the year. To add a personal touch, she makes personal deliveries to the school along with homemade baked cookies and cakes.” Dunn Elementary School Deborah Conroy, Principal “Whataburger and manager Dianna Citizen joined Goodman Elementary and Stehlik Intermediate in promoting the importance of attending school daily and making good grades by providing coupons and incentives from their company to students and teachers. The children and staff are most appreciative.” Goodman Elementary Camelia Chester, Principal Stehlik Intermediate Janet Ray, Principal Lloyd’s Martial Arts LMS Auto Finishes LMS Group M M Sales - CNC Machining M&M Auto Supply Maloney’s Steakhouse & Piano Bar Mario Ledesma Roofing McCauley Lumber Co. McDonald’s Me N’My Pal Portraits Melvin Melcon Vending Message Envy Mine Beads and Monogram Monterey’s Little Mexico ““It’s with great pleasure that I recognize Mr. Frazier Wilson, Social Investment Manager at Shell Oil Company, for his generous donation of 300 Shell tanker trucks for our little ones. I appreciate his generosity and belief that we at the early childhood centers have wonderful activities to engage young learners. Whenever I call to ask for special treats for our students, he gives a helping hand.” Hinojosa EC/PK Nicole Walters, Assistant Principal “Mike Mennito of LaserQuest provided incentives for students who attained perfect attendance and good grades each six weeks. He and his crew volunteered by setting up and running a Laser Tag booth at our Fall Festival.” Carmichael Elementary Gracie Guerrero, Principal “Mimi McGee and Dianne Hagood from Houston Association of Professional Landmen supported our Home Literacy program by donating funds to purchase backpacks, tape recorders and books on tape. It is a beneficial home-school connection that improves fluency, comprehension and the love of reading.” Aldine Elementary Deborah Hagood, Principal “ B e An Angel Fund underwrites programs and materials needed for Lane School. For the last three summers, for example, they provided funds for our summer respite program benefitting many of our children with special needs and their families. Another partner, Phoenix Fasteners, provides employment for our older students in Lane’s vocational program.” Lane School Rick Ruhman, Principal sses the jawa addre ips. u K e in d a h ndent N ss partners Superinte ool busine h c s f o e c importan Business Partnerships Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 7 Businesses and organizations that attended the Appreciation luncheon Aldine ISD would like to thank the following business partners for the positive impact they made over the past school year. Dream Starters Liberty Tax Sam Houston State University MQ Roof ExxonMobil LMS Group Sam’s Club Ms. Laura’s Childcare Fiesta M & M Auto Supply Shell Oil Company Mt. Olive Baptist Church First Service Credit Union McDonald’s Sonic Municipal Camera Friedkin Business Services Mine Beads and Monogram Southwest Teacher Supply Music Depot Gayla Corp. Mission Greenspoint Sysco Food Services Gotcha Kovered My Dee Dee’s Pie Shop MM Sales/CNC Machining Talento de Bilengue Great Time Skate My McBlessings Mt. Olive Baptist Church Target Stores, Inc. Harris County Sheriff’s Department NAPPCO My McBlessings Texas A&M University Narvaez Investments NAPPCO Texas Executive Women Nationsgraphics Nationsgraphics The Children’s Museum Nationwide Insurance Nationwide Insurance Timeless Travel NHCC Arreola Annex North Harris Community College Trinity Training North Harris Bank Nuts N Bolts North Harris Community College OT3 Technologies University of Houston Downtown Oteco Walgreen Chamber of Commerce Pan Riko Washington Mutual North Harris Montgomery AIG/Valic Hasta La Pasta Aldine Y.O.U.T.H. Holiday Inn, Inc. IAH AXA Advisors Houston Association of Professional Landmen Be An Angel, Inc. Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church Blackie’s Machine Shop Eis Edveuryconae’stBuisoinenss HUD #15 Humble Family Skate Center North Harris Greenspoint Boy Scouts of America International Airport Systems, City of Houston Cathedral of Saint Matthew J & B Technologies Pheido Advertising Wells Fargo Bank Community College Community Liaison for Congressman Gene Green JPM Chase Bank Phoenix Fasteners Whataburger North Houston Bank Kentucky Fried Chicken QSP Wurth Adams Nut and Bolt Co. Northside Karate Component Sales and Service Kroger Riskbytes, Inc. YMCA Novo Novdisk U.S. Congressman Gene Green Laser Quest RITE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Nuts n Bolts Francis Elementary Kyle Pierce of Phillip Townsend Associates, hands over a brand new bicycle to happy 3rd grader Timothy Montes. Francis Elementary School’s business partner, Phillip Townsend Associates, presented bicycles and safety equipment to students for perfect attendance. Each six weeks the company has offered so graciously to donate bicycles to a girl and boy who have perfect attendance. The names are drawn from a pool of students who all have perfect attendance. The company also donated rewards for teachers with perfect attendance and goodies for students for good behavior. Shell Oil Company and Hinojosa EC/Pre-K Center O.W. Mortuary Old Navy OT3 Technologies Oteco Pan Riko Panda Express Pappadeauxs Pappas Seafood House Pappasito’s Cantina Parker Music Pheido Advertising Phillip Townsend Associates Phoenix Fasteners Print Mailers Proline Marketing QSP Pictured are Kamille Pope (left), Claudia Leiva (middle) and 3rd grader Lakea Lacy (right). Kamille Pope (left) and business partner Kyle Pierce (right) from Phillip Townsend Associates. Frazier Wilson, Manager of Social Investments, Shell Oil Company, donated toy Shell Oil trucks to Hinojosa EC/Pre-K Center. One truck per family was given at Hinojosa’s last Parent Pride Day for the 2005-06 school year. Pictured are Frazier Wilson of Shell Oil Company with the Pre-K class of Tashawa Davis. RDS Recycle Rewards Riskbytes, Inc. RITE Robert Stewart S&M Painting Sam Houston Race Park Sam Houston State University Same Day Signs Sam’s Club SEARCH Homeless Project Shell Oil Company Sheriff’s Department Sonic Southern Sound Systems Southwest Teacher Supply Special Olympics Keeble EC/PK Center Ricardo Chairez from J&R Construction and S & M Painting’s Samuel and Maria Castillo donated 560 soft drinks for Keeble Elementary’s carnival. Pictured are Sandra Arredondo, Asst. Principal; Frazier Wilson of Shell Oil Company; Charlotte Benson, Principal; and Nicole Walters, Asst. Principal. SRA SRP Productions Inside Aldine Summer 2006 Page 8 Subway Summit Dental Center Suncoast Post-Tension Sysco Food Services Talento de Bilengue Talent Search North Harris College Taquerias Arandas Target TBH Texas A&M Texas Dep. Of Rehab. Ser. Texas Dept. of Agriculture Texas Executive Women Texas Highway Patrol Association Texas Scholars Center Point Energy Texas Southern University The Body Shop Deerbrook Mall The Houston Rockets The Law Offices of Mari Gianukos Thirsty’s Greenspoint Mall Time Warner Cable TIMELESS TRAVEL Tom Bailey Photography Trinity Training and Development Tuttle Development Co., Inc. U.S. Air Force U.S. Congressman Gene Green U.S. Customs & Border Protection U.S. Food Service U.S. Stone United Refrigeration Universal Essentials Gym University of Houston University of Houston Downtown Verizon Wireless Vivian Discoteca Walgreens Wal-Mart Washington Mutual Wells Fargo Bank Whataburger White Flamingo Restaurant Williams Smoke House World’s Finest Chocolate Wurth Adams Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel Xspeedia Sports Training Business Partnerships Robert Thomas Program director of business/education partnerships, 281-985-7230. Texas Award for Performance Excellence Aldine’s Board of Education and Superintendent Nadine Kujawa (right) accepted the state’s highest honor for quality and organizational performance, the Texas Award for Performance Excellence, at the annual Texas Quest for Excellence Conference sponsored by the Quality Texas Foundation. The award is an annual recognition of Texas organizations that have achieved performance excellence and applied outstanding quality principles in their day-to-day operations. The complete story is located on page 1. Keeble EC/PK Center Susan Paige, UHD Community partner, teams with Maria Rivas, 1st grade bilingual teacher. Companies offer discounts to Aldine’s employees Nineteen businesses have agreed to offer discounted rates for purchases or services to employees of the Aldine Independent School District and be listed on the district’s discount website. Access to the discount website is available only through the district’s intranet for employees. Aldine ISD is providing the discount as a benefit to employees who are interested in special offers or discounts available to them from participating businesses. The district plans to provide more listings in the future, but decided to begin with a smaller program in an effort to monitor employee satisfaction. Business partners, such as Leasing and Marketing Manager Jennifer Doggett of CityView Apartments, view the program as a way to expose employees to good products and services. “We see the discounts as incentives,” said Doggett, “to help new- er employees discover what experienced Aldine employees already know, that CityView Apartment Homes offers affordable, comfortable living with the convenience of being close to work.” Others, including Robbins Chevrolet/Nissan Sales Manager Frank Reed, wanted an opportunity to thank employees for their hard work and dedication while performing the many jobs that support education. “After conducting business in the area for over eighty years, who better for Robbins Chevrolet/Nissan to give back to than the fine educators, staff, and families of the Aldine School District.” Businesses that request to be listed must be members of the Better Business Bureau or members in good standing of an area Chamber of Commerce. Exceptions may be allowed for school district business partners who provide reference letters from satisfied customers or consumers. Space is limited. Businesses may be added to or deleted from the discount listing at the sole discretion of Aldine ISD. Companies that wish to apply for listing as a discount provider should contact publicinformationoffice@ aldine.k12.tx.us. Businesses chip in to sponsor scholarship golf tournament Nine companies and education partners teamed up with the Aldine Council of PTAs and Aldine ISD schools to raise funds for scholarships for graduating seniors. Following are major tournament sponsors who contributed to the success of this year’s business partnership event: •Holiday Inn Express Beltway 8 •Comfort Inn Beltway 8 •Oce Imagistics Inc. •Golfsmith North Freeway •Academy Sports & Outdoors North Freeway •Stewart International, Export Division •Augusta Pines Golf Course •Cypresswood Golf Course •U.S. Army Recruiting, Greenspoint Mall •U.S. Navy Recruiting, Greenspoint Mall •U.S. Marine Recruiting, Greenspoint Mall •Aldine Council of PTAs First place gross score winners, pictured (l-r): Shawn King, Robert Farrar, York Patterson, and Glenn Phillips YMCA Zero’s Sandwich Shop Zeta Phi Beta Sorority First place net score winners, pictured (l-r): Ralph Plummer, Pete Adams, Pete Stewart, and Jerry Hudson Pictured (l-r): Scott Hughes, M.B. “Sonny” Donaldson, Mike Dobbs, and John Kreutzer Second place net went to Shane Clotiaux, John McDonough, Rob McCharen, and Brian Sak. Third place net went to Zackary Stember, Sidney Stember, Derek Daniels, and Henry Gibson. Paul Shah, business partner from Liberty Tax Service, is shown with students Anthony Ruiz and Denise Gutierrez. Virgil Blackwell, business partner from Blackie’s Machine Shop, talks with Claudzella Robinson, Sara McClain, Mary Drumwright, and Cherie Grogan of Keeble. Interested in Providing rewards for Aldine ISD’s Teachers of the Year? Each school year, Aldine ISD selects Teachers of the Year at the campus and district levels. Companies show their appreciation to Teachers of the Year by donating prizes including gift cards, gift baskets, and more. If your company is interested in providing rewards for the Teachers of the Year program, contact the public information office at 281-985-6202 or send an E-mail to publicinformationoffice @aldine.k12.tx.us.