FBISD Magazine | May 2024

M AY

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The

Power of Perseverance

FOR T

B E N D

IS D

MAGAZIN E

Contents Message from FBISD Superintendent Q&A with the Supe

Fort Bend ISD Moves Graduation to New EpiCenter

Pre-K Program PreRegistration is Open!

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3 Fort Bend ISD Spotlights Partnership with Junior Achievement

Stay connected with us to get the latest district news and events. Visit fortbendisd.com and connect with us on social media.

The FBISD Magazine is produced by the Fort Bend ISD Communications department.

5 Community Outreach at its Finest!

A Year of Making a Difference in FBISD

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The Power of Perseverance

Nico Puertas Nicastro and Elijah McCoy

Communications Team Members Return Home to Serve the District That Molded Them

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HOME GROWN 9

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FBISD Hiring Event

Mission Bend-Glen, New School to Open August 2025

15 FBISD Teacher of the Year

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Message from FBISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith Hello Fort Bend ISD Community, It is an absolute pleasure to serve as your superintendent. Since January, the team and I have wasted no time diving into the work required to ensure FBISD not only remains a great school district but becomes an exemplary one, second to none in the nation.

I want you to know that I am fully focused on and deeply committed to achieving extraordinary goals because our students deserve no less and our teachers and staff are more than capable of making it happen.

Upon returning to FBISD, as a part of my 90-day plan for the district, we have held strategic workshops to focus our resources and attention on analyzing data around student performance, engaging in meaningful dialogue with various stakeholders, and providing a balanced budget for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, I have attended various community events and meetings furthering stronger relationships with district partners.

I have had the pleasure of celebrating milestones and momentous occasions with our teachers of the year, and with students possessing a global outlook who are determined to change the world, also with dedicated staff members who continue to serve the district for multiple decades as well as those who are transitioning into retirement.

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The district continues to celebrate some huge wins on big stages.

Earlier this year, Commonwealth was named the #1 elementary school in the entire state, and once again, the Dulles High School Decathlon team is #1 in the state -for the 8th year in a row! Nationwide, the team is ranked #3! The Marshall High School track team continues to run circles around the competition – literally. Once again this year, the team was crowned 5A State Champions.

In just a matter of days, more than 6,300 graduates will receive their high school diplomas. I look forward to congratulating each and every one of them as they walk across the stage and into their futures as young adults.

I am excited about the direction we are headed, and I look forward to celebrating many more successes with our entire community.

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Q&A 1

What do you love most about Fort Bend ISD?

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I love that we have so many students, teachers, parents and staff in the district that place a high value on education and being the best. When you have a community that is motivated in that way, you have an education system you can be proud of.

I also love that I was able to experience tremendous growth as an administrator during my previous time here. The fact that FBISD is fertile ground for investing in and developing leaders is another hallmark of the district that makes me passionate about being a part of it.

What is your number one priority in leading the district as superintendent?

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It is of the utmost importance to me to build on the district’s legacy of providing a firstclass education to all our students so that when they graduate, they are fully equipped to take advantage of every opportunity life places before them. I also want to continue engaging the community and building strong alliances with our key stakeholders and partners who are fully vested in the success of our students.

Get to Know the Supe

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What is your favorite food?

There are many in leadership that I have admired and emulated over the years but perhaps the greatest is the late U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell. I always respected the way I saw him lead with dignity, grace and a steady hand. I also admired how he would be very clear and succinct about whatever the mission was. I try to embrace those characteristics in my leadership style because people don’t trust what they don’t understand, and my goal is to always clearly communicate in a way that people understand.

There are also many great superintendents throughout the state that I look to for advice and inspiration.

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My favorite food is seafood, all kinds of fish, shrimp, and crawfish. My favorite dessert is bread pudding.

What are your favorite hobbies?

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My hobbies are pretty simple. I like to travel whenever I get the opportunity, and I like to golf. I also like listening to music.

Why did you choose to become an educator?

You have mentioned that you are a sports fan. What is your favorite sport?

What are the biggest differences you see in the district compared to your previous time here?

It’s the growth, absolutely. When I was last here in 2012, we did not have Crawford or the James Reese Career and Technical Center, nor did we have several elementary schools and Thornton Middle School. Also, I am very pleased to see our expansive Programs of Choice that allow our students to obtain an associate degree by the time they earn their high school diploma, and the technology paths that provide them with professional workforce certifications and credentials. I love seeing our young people take advantage of these extraordinary opportunities that equip them for significant success in life.

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Who is your all-time greatest mentor and why?

My grandmother was an educator. She taught English in Houston ISD. That was my first exposure to the dedication, passion and commitment it takes to be an educator. I was always drawn to serving and supporting others and education provides an ideal platform to do that.

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As a young person my favorite sport was football, but through the years I have also developed a great appreciation for other activities like swimming, tennis and golf, just to name a few. I have also become a soccer enthusiast. It started when I went to a soccer match in Duncanville during my time as superintendent there. I remember standing on the sidelines and getting a front row view of how physical the game is. They were running the entire time! I also saw the incredible amount of skill it takes to strategically move that ball around. So now, I always look forward to going to soccer games whenever I get the chance.

We know your personal style includes bow ties. When and why did you first begin wearing them?

I started wearing bow ties several years ago when I noticed an administrator wore them, and I liked the way they seem to elevate professional attire. I have an entire collection of them now. They are also practical because they don’t get caught in anything or get stained with food the way traditional ties can.

What advice would you give to a student who is aspiring to become an educator?

It’s important to learn to work well with people from diverse backgrounds because being an educator is about investing in many different types of students, and to do that effectively you must understand who they are, where they are coming from, and what motivates them.

I would also advise aspiring educators -and young people in general- to always set goals because they give you direction and focus. And be mindful of who you surround yourself with, being sure to connect with those who add value, wisdom, integrity and positivity to your life.

Lastly, I would say to them that whether you experience a victory or a defeat, learn from both. Life includes peaks and valleys and learning from our wins and our losses instills perseverance, character and strength.

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Fort Bend ISD Spotlights Partnership with Junior Achievement Fort Bend ISD’s Collaborative Communities Department has numerous community partners.

Unique among them is Junior Achievement, an organization that provides financial literacy and entrepreneurship training to students. In the district, the program has spread to nearly all high schools and hosts pop-up events at several middle schools.

Dulles High School’s student-led business F.L.I.N is just one example of the program’s success in the district. Created under JA’s Company Program, the team placed first at both Think Tank 2024, hosted by the University of Houston’s Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship, and JA’s Company Program Trade Fair.

Their award-winning idea? F.L.I.N created an interactive financial literacy notebook that includes engaging quizzes and games to help young people learn about more than 30 moneymanagement topics.

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Fort Bend ISD Moves Graduation to New EpiCenter Fort Bend ISD’s Class of 2024 will be the first cohort to graduate from Fort Bend County’s newest venue, The EpiCenter located in Rosenberg.

Ceremonies will be held in the facility’s main arena, which seats 8,500, from Thursday, May 23 to Saturday, May 25.

GUESTS SHOULD KNOW Parking will be $5.

There is a bag policy in effect for the venue.

• Bags can be up to 4.5” x 6.5” and clear bags can be up to 12” x 12”x6”.

• Medical and parenting bags are permitted.

• Prohibited bags include coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags.

• All bags will be subject to search.

Strollers will not be allowed into the main arena and will be held in the lobby.

Wheelchairs will not be provided for guests.

Concession stands will be open and all purchases will be cashless.

Visit the district’s graduation website to see the ceremony schedule and to find out more information at www.fortbendisd.com/graduation

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Community Outreach at its Finest!

A look at a year making a difference in FBISD During the 2023-24 school year, Fort Bend ISD coordinated a series of community outreach events designed to engage and support the community. Through these efforts, FBISD made meaningful connections with various community stakeholders, ensuring they felt valued, heard and empowered to contribute to the district’s success.

Fort Bend ISD launched Go for the Gold, an initiative for active seniors 62 and older.

The year brought engaging and exciting events like the Winter Game Night, where guests connected with FBISD PALS students in games like bingo, and marshmallow and spaghetti tower-building. The district continued engaging and celebrating its senior community by hosting two additional events - Coffee and Conversations, which included a warm breakfast and valuable district updates, and the Active Senior Football Games, where members in the Go for the Gold initiative were honored. Some served as honorary game marshals who performed the coin toss.

Active seniors, be on the lookout for more enriching events in the 2024-25 school year.

The Realtor Workshop in collaboration with the Women’s Council of Realtors Fort Bend Chapter, the Champion School of Real Estate, and Homes.com- served as a platform for sharing district information with real

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estate professionals to equip them with the necessary tools to inform homebuyers enrolling children in the district. Attendees gained knowledge about special programs and enrollment processes, and engaged in discussions with district leaders on various topics, such as school safety and special education services.

Through philanthropic efforts, the workshop raised more than $1,600 to fund scholarships for FBISD students wanting to pursue careers in real estate. Realtors can visit the district’s Real Estate Professionals webpage for workshop materials and essential district information.

The act of service creates positive change, and FBISD’s Collaborative Communities Department is a shining example of the district’s dedication to impacting the community and fostering meaningful relationships. This school year, Shared Dreams, a division of Collaborative Communities, was able to provide support to those facing food insecurity in the district through a significant food donation, which was made possible by a partnership with the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center and ABC 13 through their annual Share Your Holidays Food Drive.

The department also offers additional initiatives that support FBISD students and their families such as mentoring, informational sessions and community events, demonstrating the district’s commitment to serving its community.

For information on how you can donate or volunteer, visit the FBISD Collaborative Communities webpage.

Success el Éxito Choose

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Pre-K Program Pre-Registration is Open!

• FBISD Pre-K Students Develop Pre-Reading, Math and Language Skills Faster • 91% are Prepared for Kindergarten Level Math, 84% Excel in Early Literacy • FBISD Pre-K Educators are Warm and Caring and 100% of Lead Teachers are Certified Tuition and non-tuition-based options are available.

Students must be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2024. *Documents verification and language assessment begin April 1st.

For more information visit

FortBendISD.com/PreK

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Inscríbase a nuestro programa de prekínder ahora!

• Los estudiantes de Pre-Kínder en FBISD desarrollan las destrezas de pre lectura, matemáticas, y lingüística mucho más rápido • El 91% está preparado para el nivel de matemáticas de Kindergarten y el 84% sobresale en alfabetización temprana • Los maestros de Pre-Kínder de FBISD son cálidos y afectuosos y el 100% de los maestros titulares están certificados

Ofrecemos opciones sin pago y con pago de matrícula. Los niños deben tener 4 años para el 1° de septiembre, 2024

*La revisión de documentos y prueba de lenguaje comienza el 1° de abril.

Para más información visite

FortBendISD.com/PreK

#PreKisFUNdamental

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Elijah McCoy

Once I found out I could do the thing I loved most, I was so happy because I knew it was a gift, like a God-given gift that could have gotten taken away, Elijah McCoy Lexington Creek Elementary student Elijah McCoy discovered his passion for swimming early in life. At 10 months old, he was drawn to the water, and his mother decided he should learn to swim for safety.

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Lauren McCoy said, “Anywhere we would be and he saw water—a lake or at a party—he’d make a beeline for the water.”

Elijah displayed great talent and as he grew he began competing in swim competitions and earned many awards.

“The first time I ever met Elijah, he was at a summer league meet,” Lead Swim Coach for First Colony Swim Team Jason Devine said. “All I ever heard was, ‘Elijah McCoy won this, Elijah McCoy won that.’ I just kept hearing he was winning everything he was swimming.”

But suddenly one day, Elijah began to experience out-of-the-ordinary symptoms.

After his parents rushed him to the emergency room, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease, a rare heart condition. His health quickly worsened to include three aneurysms in his heart, leaving he and his loved ones in fear for his life.

“I was just thinking, ‘Am I going to die?’”

Elijah said.

After months of uncertainty, his health improved, and the doctor cleared him to swim again. He returned to the pool more determined than ever and started training and setting goals for himself.

He exceeded his expectations in his first meet back by getting a state-qualifying time.

His parents report that he is number one statewide in both the 50- and 100-yard breaststroke, and just last month he became number one in the nation in the 50-meter breaststroke among his peers.

Elijah’s journey strengthened him not only as an athlete, but also as a person. His mother said he is now more mature and his faith in God has grown. His story is a testament of courage and determination, inspiring others to persevere in the face of adversity.

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ort Bend ISD is filled with amazing students, overcoming incredible obstacles in pursuit of their dreams to acquire knowledge and skills and to develop talents lying just beneath the surface.

Among our overcomers are two students whose stories stand out. They are 5th grader Elijah McCoy and 8th grader Nico Puertas Nicastro.

Elijah McCoy | Faces of FBISD

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Nico Puertas Nicastro

People will tell me, ‘How sad that he is blind,’ but I feel blessed and very fortunate to be his mother.

Nico recalled that by age five he was taking piano lessons.

“I remember it was pretty frustrating at the time,” he said, “but I kept persevering until I got to the stage I am now.”

Fast forward to 6th grade at Fort Settlement Middle School when Nico joined the orchestra. His teacher recalled that he tried a few instruments then settled on playing the harp.

“He picked a very challenging instrument to play without sight and he does it incredibly well,” FBISD Harp Specialist Stephanie Gustafson said. “Nico can do anything, and I cannot even begin to imagine what he will do beyond his time as a Fort Bend ISD student.”

Nico agrees with his teacher, saying, “There is literally nothing you can’t do. You just have to find a way.”

Both he and Elijah have certainly done that and are a great example of the power of perseverance.

Want to feel more inspired?

WATCH OUR VIDEOS!

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ico Puertas Nicastro was born prematurely at 26 weeks. Only a few months later, doctors told his parents he would be blind his entire life, “but he is determined and he came into this world as a fighter,” his mother Natalia Nicastro said.

She vowed then and there to support her son unconditionally in whatever he wanted to do in life. Early on as a toddler, he made it clear that he wanted to play music.

“Before he could even talk, we knew he loved music,” Natalia said. She could tell her son was gifted.

Nico Puertas Nicastro Faces of FBISD 8

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

2023 BOND UPDATE

Mission Bend-Glen, New School to Open August 2025 As part of the district’s long-term goal to reduce operational expenses, Mission Bend and Mission Glen elementary schools were consolidated this school year. The voterapproved rebuild of Mission Bend Elementary is currently underway and will house both campuses when it opens in August 2025.

“This is the place to be and not just because a new building is getting built,” Mission Bend-Glen Elementary Principal Dr. Veronica Roberson said. “We have staff members who grew up in this neighborhood, who are now teaching in this neighborhood, and they truly love this community. They do what’s best for children all the time whether it’s before school or after school or at events or on the weekend. We spend a lot of time with our children as well as with our community and now we are going to be doing it all in a big beautiful new building.”

The new campus will be built to hold 1,000 students and will contain art rooms, music rooms, gymnasiums, libraries, open-concept interiors with natural light and collaboration areas, new technology and safe, fenced-in play areas.

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View a complete list of 2023 Bond projects and their status at www.fortbendisd.com/bond

Bond 2023 Update - Mission Bend Elementary

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

R E H C A E TND MPUS A CA T N E EV June 5, 2024 Elementary Candidates: 1 – 3 p.m.

Secondary Candidates: 4 – 6 p.m.

Ridge Point High School | Missouri City, TX 77459 Fort Bend ISD is hiring campus-based professionals to lead and support instruction!

Teachers and Paraprofessionals (General and Special Education) Career & Technical Education Teachers

Instructional Apprentices Nurses Librarians

Learn more and register at www.fortbendisd.com/careers 9

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Communications Team Members Return Home to Serve the District that Molded Them Not all district staff make an impact from inside the classroom. Some contribute to Fort Bend ISD’s success by creating positive, proactive stories about outstanding people, places and programs in the district and by distributing important information in a timely fashion.

These staff members are part of the Communications Department and four of them graduated from Fort Bend ISD! They found their way back to the district they love where they write inspirational stories, take breathtaking photographs, and create award-winning videos while also supporting major FBISD events like Staff Service Awards, Convocation, Teacher of the Year and graduation.

HOME GRO Cameron Hubbard graduated from Bush High School in 2015 where he ran track, played football and was a member of the school’s Algebra Team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Hubbard completed his bachelor’s degree at Texas State University in 2020. While there, he began doing photo shoots for the campus student recreation center and other organizations, sparking his passion for photography and storytelling.

Hubbard serves as the district’s multimedia and video coordinator.

“I chose to come back to FBISD because I’ve always wanted to give back to my community using skills that I’ve acquired,” Hubbard said. “When presented with an opportunity to work in the district I felt like it aligned with my purpose.”

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Hubbard enjoys the opportunity to interact with many different people in his position.

“Whether it’s one of my former teachers or coaches, or students and staff members I meet for the first time, I like making connections,” he said.

Hubbard also attended Fleming Elementary and Garcia Middle School.

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Sonya Montgomery graduated from Willowridge High School in 1990. During her senior year, she participated in the district’s home economics business co-op program which she credits with providing her with a good work ethic, the ability to multi-task and maintain work/life balance.

Montgomery first met members of the communications team when she worked as a wellness monitor for the district during the pandemic. She would volunteer to help the department with various projects, so when a position became available in the department, she was a great fit for the team.

When asked what her favorite thing is about working for FBISD, she said, “working with an awesome boss and work family.”

As a communications clerk, Montgomery supports the department with clerical needs and assists with the execution of recognition events and celebrations.

Montgomery is currently working to earn her BSN in Nursing.

She also attended Missouri City Middle School.

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

HOME GRO Natalie Rivera is a 1996 graduate of Kempner High School. During her time there, she was a member of the National Honor Society and was involved in Business Professionals of America and FCA. After graduation, Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston School of Communications.

While there, she wrote for the university’s newspaper and the Houston Chronicle.

The majority of Rivera’s career has been spent working in corporate public relations.

Eight years ago, she joined the district’s communications team to have a more flexible schedule that allowed her additional time with her family.

As a communications coordinator and parent, Rivera understands the importance

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of communicating clearly and effectively with the district’s stakeholders.

“I’ve worked in various communications positions throughout my career,” Rivera said.

“It is refreshing to be in a role where I provide support to something as meaningful as a student’s education.”

Rivera was a member of the inaugural 5th grade class at Pecan Grove Elementary. She also attended Hodges Bend Middle School. Her oldest son is a graduate of Travis High School.

E OWN Rachel Ross is a product of the district’s Medical Science Academy which is housed at Hightower High School. She played the clarinet in the school’s marching band and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Following her graduation in 2004, Ross attended Texas A&M and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It was there that Ross discovered her passion for writing, and she changed her original career plans of becoming a doctor.

FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Her job as journal editor at Rice University’s Chao Center for Asian Studies piqued her interest in working for an educational institution.

“I came back [to FBISD] because I wanted to work in K-12 education,” Ross said.

“This is where the love of learning is formed, and I wanted to be here for the foundation.”

She loves to see education in action and uses her writing talent to share those stories with others.

“Every time I go to a campus, I see students, teachers, staff and parents interacting and it is so gratifying to know that what happens on our campuses will impact students for years after they leave,” Ross said. “I look forward to every campus visit!”

Ross also attended Hunters Glen Elementary, Glover Elementary and Missouri City Middle School.

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

FORT BEND ISD

OF THE

2024

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Out of almost 4,700 Fort Bend ISD teachers, once again this spring the district honored two educators who distinguished themselves as Teacher of the Year winners.

The winners are selected through a lengthy process that begins in October and ends in April with the announcement of the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year at an annual banquet.

The candidates are first selected as Campus Teachers of the Year, then they apply for the districtwide award. They are screened by a panel of judges, observed in action in their classrooms, required to submit a video, and finally they are interviewed by the Teacher of the Year committee. The FBISD Teachers of the Year go on to compete for the title at the regional and state levels.

Here are this year’s FBISD winners, along with the Principals of the Year. Also listed are the district’s Rookie Teachers of the Year, who are excelling in the classroom during their very first year on the job.

2024 Elementary Teacher of the Year Shaquille Dixon 3rd Grade Math And Science Teacher At Sugar Mill Elementary When he first became an educator, Dixon said he wanted to provide his students with something he never had in school. He said he was always seen as a problem child, acting out for attention and his teachers never seemed to understand or address the root cause of his behavior. So, he takes care to invest time and effort in his students, ensuring they know they can express what is going on in their lives, talk about what is on their minds, and feel loved.

2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year Sierra Joseph An AVID College Readiness Instructor At Thornton Middle School Joseph’s students describe her as an educator who is always caring and gives her students second chances and the benefit of the doubt. Her peer educators said she spreads kindness everywhere she goes and positively impacts them as much as she impacts her students.

Joseph said if her campus leaders or her students need anything, she shows up. She said when you show up for others and “walk in excellence,” they show up for themselves and also aim for excellence.

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

2024 Rookie Teacher of the Year Honorees

Hana Ahmed

Emma Griffin

Ruben Hancock

Neill Elementary School

Jordan Elementary School

Kempner High School

2024 Elementary Teacher of the Year Finalists

Edith Faltine

Audrey St. Germain

Naomi Olguin

Jason Strutton

Oakland Elementary School

Meadows Elementary School

Walker Station Elementary School

Ferguson Elementary School

2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists

Melissa Noel

Kara Pendergraft

Emily Wendt

Jake Woodson

Ridge Point High School

James Reese Career and Technical Center

Crawford High School

Baines Middle School

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FORT BEND ISD MAGAZINE // MAY 2024

Caroline Hill

John Niiler

Cody Sabol

Madden Elementary School

Travis High School

Elkins High School

2024 Principal of the Year Winners The FBISD 2024 Elementary Principal of the Year winner is Dr. Felicia Bolden, Brazos Bend Elementary. For more than two decades, she has served area schools as a teacher, specialist, and administrator.

She is noted for her attention to curriculum and coaching.

Elementary Winner

Secondary Winner

The FBISD 2024 Secondary Principal of the Year winner is Ms. Elizabeth Williams, Baines Middle School. She has more than 20 years of experience and believes in creating a positive environment for her students and staff. Principal Williams was also chosen as the 2023 Principal of the Year at the first FAB Awards, hosted by the district’s Athletics Department.

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