The Leader - June 8, 2017

THE LEADER June 8, 2017

La Porte Independent School District Every Student’s Success Is Our #1 Priority

La Porte High School seniors honored at May 26 commencement

La Porte High School graduating seniors make their way onto the field of Bulldog Stadium Twenty-eight La Porte High School seniors also earned their associate degrees from San as the commencement ceremony begins on May 26, From left are Alex Cantu, Christopher Jacinto College this spring after completing the Accelerated College Education (ACE) Bustamante, Gentry Blagg, Thomas Bello, Giovanita Bell and Mary Kate Ayers. program. They are the first from LPHS to complete the program, through which they began taking college classes at San Jacinto College the summer following their sophomore year.

Hunter Briggs, left, adjusts his cap as the graduates participate in the processional at the start of the LPHS graduation exercises. With him is Dontrevous Breaux.

Blaine Miller accepts her diploma during the 2017 graduation ceremony at La Porte High School. A total of 516 graduates earned their diplomas this year.

Eighteen graduate from Viola DeWalt High School on May 25

La Porte ISD Superintendent of Schools Lloyd W. Graham, right, chats with members of the Viola DeWalt High School Class of 2017 prior to their graduation ceremony on May 25 in the Sonja Angelo Theater at La Porte High School.

Viola DeWalt High School graduates gather with principal Debbie Stewart just before lining up for the processional at the graduation ceremony on May 25. The Spring 2017 graduates include Victor Alvarado, Mackenzie Andrews, Joseph Avila, Israel Hernandez, Briana Burk, Alexis Castillo, Olivia Green, Sergio Hernandez, Kaylee Knight, Tyrese Lawrence, Maximillian Maki, Violette Morales, Marco Palacios, Vipai Prashasouk, Alicia Rios, Nickole Sanchez, Taylor Sweet and Amber Vallejo.

Annie Szeto, left, adjusts the graduation cap of Viola DeWalt High School senior Olivia Green Viola DeWalt High School teacher Dennis Outlaw, left, helps graduating senior Max Maki with prior to the school’s commencement ceremony on May 25. his tie as the Class of 2017 prepares for the May 25 graduation ceremony.

La Porte High School Maritime Academy students gain real-world experience

La Porte High School students, from left, Allen Schreiner, Preston McGowan, Garrett Bibby and Isaiah Little work on building a boat during their maritime class.

In their Career and Technical Education classroom just a short walk from Galveston Bay, La Porte High School Maritime Academy students are gaining the knowledge and skills they need for careers related to navigation and commerce on the seas.

At the helm is Capt. David Jancauskas, who brings more than 30 years of experience in the maritime industry to his role as instructor. Now completing his second year at LPHS, Jancauskas says his job is to introduce those who are truly interested in the maritime industry to the many possibilities available to them, with or without a college degree.

The program is a fitting one for a district nestled between the Barbour’s Cut and Bayport terminals and just down the road from San Jacinto College’s new Maritime Technology and Training Center.

“Within five years of graduating high school, without leaving the Port of Houston, a student with a background and foothold on this (maritime) profession, and the right motivation, could make $100,000,” Jancauskas said.

A graduate of the LPHS program has the opportunity to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential card), which is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels, as well as the Merchant Mariner’s Credential from the U.S. Coast Guard. These are the entry level requirements to work in the marine industry, he said.

In the first year of the program, students learn nautical terms, basic firefighting skills and basic first aid and ship terminology and procedures. They also learn about basic survival skills and distress communications. Later on, they learn about engineering and navigation and put their skills to work in reading, understanding and following directions. For example, this year, the students constructed a boat, using teamwork and engineering and craft skills to complete the difficult project.

High school graduates who want to enter the maritime industry can choose to go right to work, attend local college maritime programs or enter the U.S. Coast Guard, depending on what their eventual career goals might be. Texas A & M Maritime in Galveston offers another nearby opportunity, providing a four-year degree and excellent employment opportunities in the marine industry.

Jancauskas explains that a high school graduate who takes the necessary courses in the San Jacinto College program can get a great start in the industry and become eligible to work as a deckhand, making up to $40,000. Within a year and with additional classes, an eager learner can qualify as a tankerman, who works with the offloading of goods, making up to $70,000. If he proves his worth and continues to learn, he could advance to working as a mate—the second in charge—for a salary of approximately $100,000. And those who develop the skills, maturity and leadership abilities to become a captain could make as much as $150,000 per year.

The license system for holding senior positions on vessels is tiered, ranging from the first level that allows a mariner to take six people out on a charter boat for fishing up to an unlimited master’s license, which allows the mariner to work as an officer on one of the ships that keep Houston the busy port that it is.

A Houston Ship Channel pilot must be qualified as a ship captain, with an unlimited license and 10 years of experience. A pilot, who guides the ships through the channel, can make a salary of several hundred thousand each year.

Regardless of the career path a student chooses, leadership skills are key to upward mobility in the field. “This industry needs leaders,” Jancauskas added, noting the development of leadership skills is incorporated into his lessons at the Maritime Academy.

La Porte Independent School District 1002 San Jacinto Street La Porte, Texas 77571 www.lpisd.org 281-604-7000 The Leader is a publication of the La Porte ISD Communications Department.

The newsletter is published bi-weekly for the La Porte ISD community. Inquiries should be directed to Terri Cook, Director of Communications, at cookt@lpisd. org or Kimberly Culver, Communications Coordinator, at culverk@lpisd.org.

La Porte High School maritime students visit the U.S. Coast Guard in Galveston.

Dave Jancauskas, La Porte High School maritime instructor, talks to guests at the annual Maritime Academy dinner in May at the Bulldog Bistro in the Career and Technical Education building.

Jancauskas began his degree work at the University of Massachusetts, majoring in history and political science, and then entered the Coast Guard, where he became qualified as a deck officer worked working on ships and patrol boats around the U.S. He loved the work as well as the history of the maritime industry and knew he had found his niche.

He worked on tugboats and earned his master’s license, which allowed him to operate ships up to 300 feet in length, including large passenger ferries and coastal tankers. Later, his sense of adventure led him to respond to an ad for a vessel operations manager in Alaska, where he was responsible for the day to day operations of 11 ocean-going ships and 1,200 marine personnel.

His role included vessel operations, safety and security in a post-9/11 world, as well as serving as interagency liaison and Coast Guard regulatory branch liaison, answering to both the operations and general managers of the company. “It was a great opportunity to engage in public service and a pleasure to serve the transportation needs of the people of Alaska,” he said.

“My job was problem solving,” he added. “What enabled me to do that was 30 years of experience working in this field . . . it was basically high pressure, multi-tasking—sometimes 24/7—and we all thrived on it. Personally I liked the opportunity to work with career professionals, having to think quickly, brainstorm, and make the right decisions. And it took the combined confidence borne of many years of experience to make those decisions.”

Jancauskas is grateful for Port Houston, San Jacinto College, Buffalo Marine, Kirby Marine, Higman Marine, Houston Pilots and a host of other maritime businesses throughout the Houston area that show their support for the students and the program in a variety of ways. For example, Port Houston sponsored the April 18 LPHS Maritime Academy Graduation and Recruitment dinner, while representatives from maritime businesses and related agencies provided parents and junior high and high school students with information about educational opportunities and future careers.

On April 28, a total of 88 students and teachers from La Porte Junior High School, Viola DeWalt High School and La Porte High School attended the Maritime Expo at the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center, where they learned about maritime careers and related subjects from representatives from a wide variety of organizations.

La Porte High School is one of only a handful of high school maritime programs in the Houston area, and Jancauskas believes the school’s close proximity to the water is a tool for piquing the interest of his students who are looking for adventure as well as a lucrative career.

“This Port is the gateway to the world,” he said. “Every ship is going somewhere you may have never been before. Who doesn’t get excited about that?”

Lomax Junior High and Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary receive Assistance League grants

Lomax Junior High School teacher Nicole Mengo, in center holding check, is awarded a grant from the Assistance League of the Bay Area for math manipulatives for her classroom.

These manipulatives will bring math to life for her students by using hands-on activities to help make concepts more concrete and easier to understand. In front are Assistance League of the Bay Area representatives Sarah Foulds and Gail Ashby; Mengo; Assistance League representatives Kimberly Barker, Cindy Senger-Lewis, Kathleen Courville, Mary Vaughn and Brooks Cima; and La Porte Education Foundation representative Debbie Wade. In back are Lomax Junior High principal Dr. Larry Gerhart; La Porte Education Foundation executive director Charlotte Pennye; Assistance League representative Arlis Miles; La Porte Education Foundation representatives Stan Lewis and Lana Follis; and La Porte ISD Board of Trustees president Dee Anne Thomson.

Deanna Sherrill, center, teacher at Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary School, receives a grant from the Assistance League of the Bay Area to purchase appropriate social skills books for her special education class. With her, in front from left, are Assistance League of the Bay Area representatives Mary Vaughn, Gail Ashby, Kimberly Barker, Brooks Cima, Sarah Foulds and Kathleen Courville. In the middle row are Cindy Senger-Lewis with the Assistance League of the Bay Area; Charlotte Pennye, La Porte Education Foundation executive director; Deanna Narcisse, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary principal; Arlis Miles with the Assistance League of the Bay Area; and Debbie Wade, La Porte Education Foundatioin representative. In back are Stan Lewis, Dennis Slate and Michael Barry, La Porte Education Foundation representatives; Dee Anne Thomson, La Porte ISD Board of Trustees president; and Lana Follis, La Porte Education Foundation representative.

La Porte ISD announces Teachers of the Year, recognizes years of service

Crystal St. Lucie of La Porte Elementary School and Andrea Berg of Lomax Junior High School are named the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively, during the La Porte ISD Service Awards celebration on June 1 at Heritage Elementary. From left are Dee Recognized for 30 years of service with La Porte ISD are, from left, Carol Williams, La Porte Anne Thomson, Kathy Green and Lois Rogerson from the LPISD Board of Trustees; St. Lucie; Elementary School; Rebecca Nail, La Porte High School; and Kathy Muston, La Porte High Superintendent Lloyd W. Graham; Berg; and David Janda and Dennis Slate from the LPISD School.

Board of Trustees.

Jacob Lozano, language arts teacher at La Porte Junior High School, is announced as La Porte ISD’s Rookie Teacher of the Year at the annual Service Awards banquet.

Crystal St. Lucie, instructional interventionist at La Porte Elementary School, and Andrea Berg, Texas history teacher at Lomax Junior High School, were named the District Teachers of the Year at the La Porte ISD Service Awards celebration on June 1 at Heritage Elementary School. Superintendent Lloyd W. Graham announced their selection following recognition of all LPISD Campus Teachers of the Year.

Pat Studdert of Buffalo Marine Service, Inc., former LPISD trustee and longtime friend of the district, provided each of the District Teachers of the Year with a check for $6,000 as well as tickets to a Houston Astros game. Graham presented the checks on behalf of Studdert, who was unable to attend the event.

This year’s theme was “Go, Team!” with many of those in attendance dressing in costumes related to different sports. Prior to the announcement of the District Teachers of the Year, principals escorted their respective Campus Teachers of the Year to the stage as brief bios on each were read.

Other elementary honorees and their respective schools include Shelby Slate, Bayshore; Krista Stutz, College Park; Brian Fournier, Heritage; Cecilia Diaz, Lomax; Kelli Spaugh, Jennie Reid; and Stefanie Nowlin, Leo A. Rizzuto. Secondary honorees are Debra Navarro, James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus; Marissa Keim, La Porte Junior High; Kelly Cyr, Viola DeWalt High School; Cheryl Christen, La Porte High School (Core Areas); and Justin Myers, La Porte High School (Non-Core Areas).

Jacob Lozano, language arts teacher at La Porte Junior High School, was

announced as the district’s Rookie Teacher of the Year. Also honored were Principals of the Year Camilla Whitlock of College Park Elementary and Candace Pohl of La Porte Junior High School.

Retiring employees were also recognized, as were staff members with longtime service to the district. This year’s retirees include Janis Allbritton, Nutrition; Dora Corrales, Nutrition; Vickie Gentile, Bayshore Elementary; Thomas Herman, Maintenance; Sheri Hoff, La Porte High School; Kathleen Kimball, La Porte High School; San Juana Martinez, Maintenance; Isela Montes, Human Resources; Dennis Outlaw, Viola DeWalt High School; Kathleen Restrepo, Viola DeWalt High School; Linda Rice, Special Programs; Jackie Robinson, Lomax Elementary; Gene Roblyer, Nutrition; Faustina Serieux, Maintenance; and Thomas Tudor, Transportation.

Rotina Shepard of Maintenance was recognized for 40 years of service, and Greg Hoff was acknowledged for 35 years of service to the district.

Recognized for 30 years of service in LPISD were Carol Jetter, La Porte Elementary; JuleeAnna Lee, La Porte High School; Kathryn Muston, La Porte High School; Rebecca Nail, La Porte High School; Carol Williams, La Porte Elementary; and Elidia Williamson, Nutrition.

Twenty-five year honorees included Deron Entler, La Porte High School; Javier Gomez, Maintenance; Pamela Havard, Nutrition; Charles Hobbs, La Porte High School; Jill Miller, Lomax Elementary; Lisa Patterson, Viola DeWalt High School; Mary Perez, Nutrition; Barbara Sader, Heritage Elementary; Ricky Torres, La Porte High School; and Martha Wiggins, Nutrition.

Recognized for 20 years of service were Lisa Basile, Jennie Reid Elementary; Yvonne Bennett, Nutrition; Gina Brunson, La Porte High School; Ali Carrizal, La Porte Elementary; Julia Carter, La Porte High School; Laura Hayes, Bayshore Elementary; Thomas Herman, Maintenance; Laura Jent, Bayshore Elementary; Elise Oliver, Transportation; Tina Pettis, Human Resources; Kimberly Poullard, La Porte High School; Lisa Raymundo, Bayshore Elementary; Luisa Rodriguez, Communications; Rachael Samm, College Park Elementary; Julia Schnell, James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus; Ruth Scott, College Park Elementary; Donna Spaugh, Bayshore Elementary; Deborah Stewart, Viola DeWalt High School; and Brandi Sweatt, Maintenance.

Fifteen-year honorees were Zorida Ahamad, Transportation; Belinda Breaux, Nutrition; Debbie Cox, College Park Elementary; Joann Garcia, La Porte High School; Mona Gibbs, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary; Jeanette Lafosse, Nutrition; Mary Lewis, Nutrition; Chandra Rodriguez, Jennie Reid Elementary; Rosie Sepulveda, Jennie Reid Elementary; Rebecca Stramel, Viola DeWalt High School; Elisha Thompson, La Porte High School; Lynda Williams, James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus; and Sam Zaborowski, La Porte High School.

Area businesses and organizations generously contributed door prizes for the event. Those who contributed to the success of the event were AAA Flexible Pipe Cleaning, Astros Foundation, Gringo’s/Bullritos/Jimmy Changa’s, Bay Forest Golf Course Pro Shop, Crow’s Nest Art Gallery, Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union, La Porte Education Foundation; Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins and Mott, LLP; Pat’s Eats; Starbucks on Spencer Highway; Here’s to You! Celebrations; Government Finance Officers Association; Rotary Club of La Porte; and Vesco.

Captain’s Concrete Leveling donated the popcorn and supplies for the event.

LPISD District Calendar 6/8/17 - Thursday LPHS - Summer School Session I - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Bulldog Youth Baseball Camp - 4-8 year olds - 9:30 AM -12 PM - Bulldog Baseball Field LPHS - Bulldog Youth Baseball Camp - 9-14 year olds - 1:30 PM - 4 PM - Bulldog Baseball Field LPHS - Tennis Camp - Beginner to Intermediate - 8 AM - 9:15 AM LPHS - Tennis Camp - Intermediate to Advanced - 9:30 AM - 12 PM LPHS - Bulldog Soccer Camp - 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Jennie Reid Elementary presents its Roadrunners of the Month for May

6/9/17 - Friday ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 6/12/17 - Monday LPHS - Summer School Session I - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House 6/13/17 - Tuesday LPHS - Summer School Session I - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Tennis Drill Session - 9 AM - 12 PM LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting 7 PM (1002 San Jacinto St.)

La Porte Elementary announces its students of the month for April. They include kindergarten students Presley Pollard, Allison Clark and Isabella Parada; first graders Cameron Gonzalez, Kylie Lopez, Micheal Moorman and Evan Cruz; second graders Liam Mohammed, Giorgia Morello, Mackenzie Bell and Gian-Carlo King; third graders Cooper Burnett, Nathaniel Koslowski, Caleb Cino and Madalyn Tercero; fourth graders Mason Pope, Thomas Ponton, Aidan Cannon and Trey Salazar; fifth graders Julian Severson, Jakyla Mack and Ariana Soto.

Interim principal Diane Weeden is pictured with the honored students.

LPHS senior signs to run track at East Texas Baptist University

6/14/17 - Wednesday LPHS - Summer School Session I - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House 6/15/17 - Thursday LPHS - Summer School Session I - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Tennis Drill Session - 9 AM - 12 PM LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House 6/19/17 - Monday LPHS - Summer School Session II - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House 6/20/17 - Tuesday LPHS - Summer School Session II - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Tennis Drill Session - 9 AM - 12 PM LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House 6/21/17 - Wednesday LPHS - Summer School Session II - 9:00 AM - 1:40 PM - La Porte College Center ELL Summer School - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Bayshore Elementary 5th Grade SSI Summer School - 8:00 AM - 1:15 PM - Bayshore Elementary LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 9th - 12th Grades - 7:30 AM - 9 AM - Field House LPHS - Strength & Conditioning - 7th - 8th Grades - 9:15 AM - 10:45 AM - Field House This is the calendar information that is available at press time. Please refer to the La Porte ISD district calendar at www.lpisd.org for changes and additional information.

The La Porte Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Title IX Coordinator is Angela Garza-Viator, Executive Director of Human Resources, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7113. The Section 504 Coordinator is Cynthia Anderson, Executive Director of Special Programs, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7034.

El Distrito Independiente Escolar de La Porte no discrimina sobre la base de edad, raza, religión, color, origen nacional, sexo u discapacidad para proveer servicios educacionales, actividades y programas, incluyendo programas vocacionales, de acuerdo con el Título VI del Acta de Derechos Civiles de 1964, como fue enmendada; Título IX de las Enmiendas Educacionales de 1972; Sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973, como fue enmendada; y el Título II del Acta de Americanos con Discapacidades. La Coordinadora del Título IX es Angela GarzaViator, Directora Ejecutiva de Recursos Humanos,1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Teléfono (281) 604-7113. La Coordinadora de la Sección 504 es la Cynthia Anderson, Directora Ejecutiva de Programas Especiales, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Teléfono (281) 604-7034.

La Porte High School senior Dezmond Arratia signs a letter of commitment to run track at East Texas Baptist University. In back are coach Jimmy Beasley, mother Josie Benavidez; sister Ashley Arratia; father Adam Benavidez; and head track coach Zach Johnson.

La Porte ISD announces new director of athletics, physical education

La Porte High School principal Todd Schoppe has been named the new director of athletics and physical education for La Porte ISD.

In this role, Schoppe will provide leadership for the district’s physical education, health and athletic department for prekindergarten through 12th grades. With the completion of 2014 bond projects such as the LPHS multi-purpose center, natatorium, softball field and tennis courts, his position will also include responsibility for the oversight of these outstanding facilities and their usage.

In addition to developing and implementing physical education, health and extracurricular programs for all grade levels, Schoppe will lead the district’s School Health Advisory Council (SHAC). The SHAC, which includes LPISD employees, parents and community members, strives to improve student and staff performance by promoting age-appropriate wellness programs and health, balanced and active lifestyles.

He will also coordinate professional development activities for the district’s coaches and physical education teachers.

Schoppe is a product of La Porte schools and a long-time educator and administrator in the district. His experience includes working as a teacher/coach, assistant principal and associate principal at La Porte High School and principal of Viola DeWalt High School. He previously served as athletic director for seven years.

His experience also includes serving as a teacher/coach in Clear Creek ISD, assistant principal and football coach in Crosby ISD and head football coach and athletic director in Santa Fe ISD. An honor student and standout athlete at LPHS, he went to the University of Houston, where he played football and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in education and a biology minor. While in college, he was an Academic AllAmerican and was named to the All-Southwest Conference Academic Team three years.

Schoppe completed his master’s degree in educational administration at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

“I’m excited to be stepping back into the athletics realm of the education system, but I’m just as elated to be a part of the physical education part of things,” Schoppe said. “To be able to work with PreK through twelfth (grade) PE gives me an opportunity to be involved in the physical well-being of a lot of children. That factored a lot into my decision to take this next step in my career as an educator.

The district is actively searching for a high quality candidate to replace Schoppe in his role as LPHS principal.

La Porte ISD also announced the selection of Jason McConnell as head basketball coach at La Porte High School. McConnell is a former teacher, coach and campus administrator in the district.