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Contents ON THE COVER: The staff at Cy-Fair Helping Hands
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
8
14
4 4
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Food Pantry Serves Community During Pandemic
16 Cypress School News
6
Extending a Helping Hand to the Homeless
18 ACT or SAT: Why Are These Tests Important?
8
Community Reacts, Stays Home & Stays Safe
19 Area To-Go Dining Guide
17 History Repeats
11 Canine Corner
20 Music Through Early Childhood
12 Reason To Write Your Mom's Memoir
22 How Are YOU Holding Up?
14 What Does it Mean to Support Local?
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Food Pantry Serves Community During Pandemic Story and photos by Patricia Hudson Editor’s Note: In addition to my journalistic endeavors as the Editor of PinPointe Magazine, I have another passion of which one may not be aware: I am also the Executive Director of Community Outreach for Cy-Fair Helping Hands. Together with Jean Dreyer, Executive Director of Homeless Initiatives, we serve the homeless and hungry.
T
he Harris County Stay Home, Stay Safe directive of March 24, 2020 is intended to slow the spread of Covid-19. As Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations, our community food pantry is identified as a business that provides food for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals. With our clients of foremost concern, it was a relief to learn of this exemption from the Stay Home, Stay Safe declaration.
Challenges The Coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent emotional and economic backlash has most decidedly affected our efforts to serve the needy in our community. As a direct result of the mass hysteria produced by the virus, partnering food agency donations are at an all-time low; some days, volunteers return, only to report that the store had nothing to donate. With the closures of schools, churches, and community businesses, our sources for nonperishable food, toiletries, and other essential items have dwindled drastically. A faith-based ministry, CFHH is run entirely by volunteers, most of whom are of retirement age. Due to age, health issues, and childcare responsibilities, the Coronavirus pandemic has forced many of our volunteers to remain at home. In spite of these issues, the Cy-Fair Helping Hands Community Food Pantry has maintained regular hours. We have taken appropriate precautions to keep everyone safe by sanitizing everything with bleach solution several times daily, donning gloves and masks, and by practicing social distancing. We have modified our distribution of food through a curbside drive-thru; clients are instructed to remain in their cars and pop their trunks, while our volunteers place boxes of nonperishables, bakery goods, produce, meat, and prepared refrigerated foods into their cars. 4 April | May 2020
In the days since the Stay Home directive was passed, we have seen an exponential increase, some days as many as quadruple the number of clients we normally see. On two consecutive days, a record number 88 cars lined up outside our door, clients seeking food to feed themselves and their families. In the span of 11 days, Cy-Fair Helping Hands has provided food for 708 clients and their families. The phone does not stop ringing, as those in need anxiously ask for assistance.
Celebrations Amidst the challenges posed by Covid-19, there have been many bright spots for our community ministry. Community churches and businesses have provided enough volunteers to run our pantry and drive-thru food distribution daily. Gaily decorated bags with candy filled plastic Easter Eggs have been delivered by churches, groups and individuals for our client children. Community supporters have turned overripe ripe bananas into welcome treats of banana bread and muffins. A neighboring church has agreed to allow us to hold our Houston Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry event in their parking lot when our property manager declined permission. After seeing the emptying shelves in our pantry, several individual supporters have connected with family and friends
Thankfully, Cy-Fair Helping Hands partners with the Houston Food Bank. We have placed several substantial orders for food which will be delivered this month. Additionally, we will host a Houston Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry this weekend, which is expected to serve 300.
to hold remote food drives. CFISD Community Youth Services (CYS) workers have stepped in to volunteer while students remain at home. Hearing of our need, supporters have brought in pop ups to shield our volunteers from the elements. Monthly community partners have gone to great measures to bring in their usual food donations, despite limits placed on purchases. New volunteers have returned day after day, offering to serve in what ever capacity they are needed. Our Pantry Coordinator, a senior citizen, and a small group of our volunteer staff have doggedly and passionately handled the needs of our growing client base.
Partnering to Provide We are fortunate that there has been an occasional windfall of food from partnering community agencies; three pallets of bread from one grocery store and weekly calls for produce pick ups from another has helped to supplement our food distribution. CFISD has generously offered a bounty of yogurt, a welcome addition to family bags of food.
As we continue to serve those in need, we ask that you join us in prayer for healing, for the first responders, for those that are entrusted with care of the sick, for increased donations so that those in need will find a helping hand at our doors, and for our volunteers to remain healthy in His service. Cy-Fair Helping Hands 7520 Cherry Park Drive Suite B Houston, TX 77095 Days of Operation: Mon., Tues., Thurs., 1st/3rd Saturday Times: 9:30am – 12:30pm. For more information, go to our Facebook page: Cy-Fair Helping Hands and to our website: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org To Donate Funds: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org
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Cy-Fair Helping Hands Extends a Hand Up to Story and Photo the Homeless by Patricia Hudson Much of the work Cy-Fair Helping Hands performs in the community is not highly visible. During the first two months of 2020, the faith-based ministry provided shelter for eight different families; five of these families are now housed and independent. CFHH paid school fees for eight homeless high school students, and has continued to pay college tuition and fees for one of the 2019 scholarship winners. Homeless Outreach teams minister to over 50 people who live on the streets each week. It is the many supporters who make it possible for Cy-Fair Helping Hands to continue to offer hope to the homeless and hungry in the community. Jean Dreyer, Executive Director of Homeless Initiatives and founder of CFHH, relates a recent event. “One of our clients, a mom with four small children, was struggling to keep a job because she had no transportation. She tried taking Uber back and forth to work, but soon realized that it was taking nearly everything she made to pay Uber. She found a job
6 April | May 2020
within walking distance from where she worked, but then COVID-19 mandates began, and she was laid off. Two weeks ago, she was offered a position as an assistant manager. The job was many miles from where she stays, but without a vehicle, she could not get to work. Then, something wonderful happened. A kindhearted couple contacted Cy-Fair Helping Hands; they wanted to donate a vehicle that they were not using. The necessary paperwork for transferring the vehicle and acquiring insurance was completed. As is always true, God's timing is perfect. This vehicle was presented to the struggling mom She started her new job the next day,� shares Jean happily.
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Community Reacts
By Patricia Hudson
Stays Home & Stays Safe
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o fight the spread of the Covid-19, an emergency disaster declaration was issued, and citizens have been asked to Stay Home/Stay Safe. How has your family handled this difficult time? Sarah Pack Crawford “Our son, Carter Crawford, a sophomore, is on Bridgeland High School’s Varsity soccer team. They had an amazing undefeated season in District play and were 2 games away from clinching the district championship. This would have been the first district championship for Bridgeland High School soccer. The team was really looking forward to a strong playoff run. Coach Gillespie has been very supportive and optimistic throughout this stay at home period. He has personally called each family and communicates through email and Zoom meetings with his team. He has also provided a daily workout for the boys that will help keep them in top shape. They, like all other athletes, are hopeful to resume the season!” Denise Kraft Knippers, a nurse, is “Sewing, sewing away” on masks that she has donated to local first responders and volunteers. Denise admits to “being exhausted.” I have been working 12 to 20 hour days, sewing and working virtually, or either screening from 9-2. I have donated to Conroe Regional Hospital,
North Cypress ER and ICU, Fairfield Family Medicine, UTMB Galveston, HPD, St. Luke’s Labor and Delivery, a private doctor’s office, Woodard Elementary, Pope Elementary, and have sent some to New York and Virginia. I’ve made about 280 masks that I’ve sent out already. I have stood in line for two hours at JoAnn’s Fabrics to get material to sew more. I am making 100 today, and 150 more after that.” Michael Meissner Abba's House is a local non-profit that cares for refugee women and children as they transition to their new life in the U.S. “COVID-19 forced us to cancel several large volunteer groups who were going to help us put in our garden and orchard. Since then, though, We’ve had lots of families drop in one at a time to help us plant vegetables, put in trees, etc. We have so many kind and generous people in our community!” Jaime Connor Pierce “I was able to have both of my book clubs meet on Zoom, which was fun and nice to ‘see’ my friends. I’ve enjoyed reading and contributing to the “Positive News Corona” FB page, our preschools in Bridgeland have been walking around on hunts for animals and positive message we put in our windows. We had an outdoor concert on our street, with students playing their instruments outside while we stayed on our own driveways and sidewalks. We did it twice. It was so fun! Face-Timing with my daughter and her twin girls has helped me get through being separated from them.” Uyen Karie Ngo “We are having to hit the reset button and learn to find a work/life balance with working from home. We are cherishing this time with our kids, we will not have another opportunity where we are all at home for an extended period. Lots of hugs throughout the day.”
8 April | May 2020
Susan Baldwin Glass “This evening my husband and I participated in a ‘Surprise Birthday Party’ for my cousin in Nebraska. There was 39 of us on the Zoom call. We all wore funny hats and scarves. If we weren’t in our current situation, I’m not sure we would have done that. It was great to see everyone and I know I can speak for many, it was a healthy breath of fresh air.” “The pandemic has been extremely difficult for this teacher who is CRAZY about teaching and her students. My Google classrooms and Seesaw classrooms are a way to stay in touch with my classes. They are letting me know what they are doing and how they are feeling. We have started using Zoom meeting and the children are enjoying seeing their teachers, their friends and themselves on the computer. We had a scavenger hunt on Zoom last week which was fun. They had to find something green, find a fruit, get a piece of cheese and race back to the computer. I love hearing what they want to share with our classmates. I got to meet their pets and little brothers and sisters. I have also enjoyed talking to them on the phone. Thank goodness for technology during this difficult time!” Helen Redmon, Pope Elementary School Science Teacher “This Stay Home/Stay Safe time is a great time to take a moment to reflect on what is our priority.
It also is a challenge that we can use to be innovative and creative. Let us not be depressed during this time but let us arise to the challenge to create something new and look forward to the future with all our energy.” Brigitta Diaz “It’s an adventure! We should look at it like something new to explore, a different way to look at simple things. Also, we are seeing something that our parents never saw during their elementary school!” Neil Raju, 5th grade, Pope Elementary “The best part about being at home right now is being able to stay in touch with my friends even when they aren’t right next to me. We are using technology to keep in touch, hang out, and play video games together.” Karla Woods “Our baseball coach, Alex Lator, is providing the boys with Zoom training. It is wonderful to see the boys working out and been able to see each other on video.”
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On Friday, March 13, 2020, Metta Archilla-Ishida founded the Cypress Area Eats (CAE) Care Team, an initiative to aid seniors in the community. “They were getting lost in the crazy shopping shuffle, those who were COVID-19 suspect and/or confirmed, and the folks who are simply under home constraints due to weakened immune systems, with medical challenges, or families simply needing a boost of sustainment due to furloughs or lay-offs. The CAE Care Team partnered with Kimberly Barnett, Founder of the Cypress COVID-19 Assistance & Information Group, to further outreach in the Cypress and surrounding areas. The CAE Care Team utilizes a commercial kitchen in Cypress as a donation drop-off and collaboration center, where volunteers sort, package, and deliver life-sustaining groceries, pantry staples and household necessities to qualifying elders and/or families. The program is sponsored through the generosity of Cypress locals both monetary and in physical. The CAE Care Team provides healthy, life and mind sustaining nutrient dense foods to give rays of light in these days of gray. To date the CAE Care Team in partnership with the Cypress COVID-19 Assistance & Information Group, has provided assistance to over 300 individuals from
Cypress, Katy, Waller,Tomball, Magnolia, and the Woodlands. We have serviced two Senior homes, one retirement facility and the requests for aid filters in daily. Metta Archilla-Ishida, “What makes this niche seamlessly functional are the day-to-day ‘boots to the ground’ volunteers, the Cypress Community, and local business owners giving back, willing and able to step up and meet the demand. While the effort feels endless, this is God-lead and every day the core team wakes with just enough resources and energy to fulfil all received requests, and that feels pretty darn good.” The CAE Care Team takes all necessary precautions in handling donations with hand washing, sanitizing, the wearing of gloves and an added layer of safety while in delivery by wearing masks, setting the food in front of the door, knock, step 6 to 8 feet back until the exchange is made. This is a no contact service and we have been working as efficiently and effectively as we can to service the growing demands of Cypress and the surrounding area. This is Community team work at it’s finest and the entire CAE Care Team is proud to be making a difference in our small corner of the world, where neighbors are selflessly helping neighbors one CAE Care Package at a time.
10 April | May 2020
Canine Corner
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
I
am a yorkiepoo; when I try to be fierce, people think it’s cute. Sadly, my pit bull brothers rarely get the same treatment. Mom and I put our heads together and decided to feature Guardian Pit Bull Rescue, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foster-based rescue. Volunteers run the rescue, pulling these dogs scheduled for euthanasia from animal shelters, and rehabbing them to increase their chances of being adopted. Guardian Pit Bull Rescue’s first priority is to educate the public about the breed and promote responsible pit bull ownership. “We strive to advocate for a breed that otherwise has no voice and falls victim to breed specific legislation, discrimination and cruelty due to an undeserved reputation. It is our goal to dispel the myth, fight ignorance and allow the public to know this breed for their loyalty, compassion and unconditional love that truly defines them. Guardian Pit Bull Rescue will continue to fight for the rights of this breed to have a fair chance at life. We will educate, advocate and rescue and will continue in our efforts until they all have homes,” shares Charlene Jankowski, Event Coordinator for the rescue. Foster homes, volunteers, and donations are always needed to support the pit bulls.
with people big and small. Teddy is super social, enjoys attention, and loves to be loved. She is a low-key dog who mostly wants to lay around on the couch and be close to her humans, or chew on her toys. On the other hand, she has been known to have small bursts of energy. When she goes outside to play, she would much rather you stay with her and play, too! This loving girl needs a home that will be willing to give her all of the attention she needs and deserves. If you would like more information about Teddy, or any of the other dogs available, please visit the Guardian Pit Bull Rescue website: www.GuardianPitBullRescue.com. Guardian Pit Bull Rescue P.O. Box 8991 The Woodlands, TX 77387 info@guardianpitbullrescue.com
Now, let me tell you about one of the pit bull fosters available for adoption. Teddy is a loving, sweet girl who came to Guardian Pit Bull Rescue, scared of almost anything new. Thanks to her foster family, she has learned to trust humans, is training to properly meet others, and does equally well with her four-footed brothers and sisters as
Teddy PinPointe Magazine
11
Reasons To Write Your Memoir By Jackie Devine, CLP
Jackie Devine and her daughters, Meredith Owen (left), and Stacey Hendricks, (right).
experience they obtained. If you doubt whether you should encourage your mom to write a book about her personal experiences, here are several reasons to write her memoir:
1. BECAUSE HER STORY MIGHT HELP SOMEONE
M
other’s Day is quickly approaching. If you are looking for something meaningful to give her this year, how about helping her create a memoir? It’s a gift that many generations to come can share.
Your mother’s life experiences shaped her personality, influenced the choices she made and those of future generations. Do you know the highwater marks of her life? Do you, and your siblings, know the details of those pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of her life? The time to act is now. Preserve those memories while your mom is still capable of retelling her stories. If you do, you will have a legacy that far surpasses all other inheritances. Moreover, you will be helping pass along to your children a depth of understanding about family history that will strengthen relationships and maintain family culture. Plus, you will touch the lives of extended families you will never meet if you upload her story on Ancestry.com or www.familysearch.org (a free family tree-maker website). If you are overwhelmed with the idea of writing a memoir, visit Legacy Stories at legacystories.org You can upload 10 audio recordings, with 100 MB of media storage, and space for 100 Legacy Photos for free. If you visit the site and are interested in recording your family history but feel you need help, I will be available to help you initiate the process. Remember: Every person has an interesting story to share. Yet, most will never record stories or share the world the 12 April | May 2020
We often feel very alone when we face obstacles in life. We forget that somewhere there is someone else going through a similar circumstance who can relate. Memoirs can be about any life experience. A few include having an illness, going through a bad relationship, or surviving abuse, or even going on a journey to discover yourself. All these things someone else can relate to. And believe it or not – her story, her experience can shed some hope to anyone who reads it. Your mom can be an inspiration to others to overcome their struggles through life.
2. HER MEMORIES WON'T BE FORGOTTEN
Life is busy, sometimes chaotic. It can be easy to forget the memories of the past. While some believe it is better to forget and move on, having a record of something that happened in your mom’s life can be invaluable. It can pave the way for healing through writing, or it can help her recall events that may have otherwise faded away...
3. YOU WILL HAVE A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR MOM
AND YOURSELF There is probably no better form of selftherapy than to sit down and try writing a memoir, especially about events that may have been traumatic or life altering. As your mom writes her story, she will likely experience many different feelings that will may surface. This may become a time of greater understanding and lead to peace.
4. A MEMOIR REMINDS YOU OF THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE
Many memoirs are about a struggle or a disappointment or overcoming an obstacle. But somewhere in that story, there are good times. Your mom can also write about them and relive those glorious moments right along with the bad. And
when you've finished writing your memoir, you will start to notice many reasons why your life is worth living and celebrating. If you are interested in leaving a family legacy, and can’t decide where to begin, I am available to help you puzzle through the issues. As an author, editor, public speaker, and travel coordinator for senior citizens, I would consider it a privilege to help you write your family history and assist you in leaving a legacy to future generations that only you can give.
About Jackie Devine
Before entering the field of education, Jackie Devine spent 25 years in the private sector, promoting individuals, communities, and corporations. Charged with crafting Houston, Texas' first marketing plan in 1990, she produced promotional pieces that circled the globe and translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Mandarin. In 1999, Devine served as Interim Editor of AAA's Journey Magazine (both Texas and New Mexico). From 2015 through 2018, she designed and edited the nationally published Branson Family Newsletter. Jackie has released two memoirs and a pre-teen historical novel: Mamie, Remnants of a Life Well Lived, My Story, A Memoir by John Devine, and Quilt Girl. She has produced 15 minimemoir and funeral tribute videos.
Whether you are a family patriarch, returning veteran, hospice resident, a terminally ill child, grieving family member, or part of an upcoming reunion planning committee, you have a specific need: I will help you tell your story the way you want it told! No matter the type, extent, or duration of assistance you desire, I am available to help you with: • Oral history slideshows • Memoir/short story videos • Memorial videos • Autobiographies/family histories • Coffee table photo books • Photo scanning and digital conversion.
For information or guidance:
832.316.6006, jackie.devine@comcast.net jackiedevine.com When we lose an elder, it is as if a library has burned. My focus is saving as many stories as possible before we lose our elders. My saying is 'I am digging up bones and saving lives.'" - Jackie Devine
PinPointe Magazine
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What Does it Mean to
SUPPORT LOCAL?
Editor’s Note: Local businesses, and especially restaurants have been drastically affected by the pandemic. Some are offering takeout options while others have shut down completely. Supporting local businesses will become even more important in the months ahead as the world and the Cypress area gets back on its feet. Support Local. Buy Local. You see the decals in the store window, the sign at the Farmer's Market, the bright, cheerful logos for eclectic businesses and shops such as, My Little Sugar Plum’s Bakery, The Pie Lady, Nyam Nyam Cafe, or even local made artesian pasta, bread, and sausage. The apparent message is "Let'ssupport-local-business," a kind of community boosterism. But buying close to home may be more than a feel-good; it truly is a worth-paying-more-for-local matter.
Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
Cypress Family Farm to Kitchen
Studies show that when you buy from independent, locally owned businesses like Jersey Bagels, Brooks’ Place BBQ, Tea for Two, or Circle S Farm, rather than nationally owned businesses or mega chains, a significantly greater portion of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses through collaboration of services; thus, further strengthening the economic foundation of our community as a whole. An example of a collaboration of services is the freshness of local produce the Cypress Family Farm to Kitchen initiative brings in the very
14 April | May 2020
best of LOCAL farms to your doorstep. Brandi McRill explains, “The Farm to Kitchen initiative connects local farmers to the community. We provide sustainable, responsibly grown fruits and vegetables to our neighbors on a weekly basis.” Creekwood Grill owner, Brian Sandel, adds, “While it's important to support locally owned businesses, make sure to ask questions when shopping or dining at a national brand or a chain. Many of these businesses, such as Fajita Pete’s Copperfield, are actually franchises that are owned by people who live and work right here in our communities.”
As Founder of the Cypress Area Eats Facebook group, supporting local was a decision I made years ago, to dig deep into the Cypress and surrounding areas, get to know the local restaurant owners, food trucks, and vendors, and to understand their story; in essence, to support and help the locals in our community flourish.
Many frequent chain stores without considering their local merchant or other small business options. Whether it's filling a prescription at a local pharmacy vs. Walgreens, or buying eggs, meat and vegetables from a local farmer vs. your nearest Walmart, small businesses are too often overlooked for all the wrong reasons. It is impressive to think about the amount of time, commitment and labor these hard-working individuals contribute to make their businesses come to life and stay alive. Customers dismiss the perks that many small businesses offer such as customer care and community support, when in fact, customer service is more personalized, hands-on, and noteworthy from smaller businesses. There are exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking you should expect that a smaller business will deliver stronger customer service. Andy Correa, Owner of Andy’s Kitchen, provides insight. “Big chain style restaurants don’t care about building a relationship with customers and the
community. We strive for quality and service for a great family-like experience. We go the extra mile for our customers as a natural thing, not as a must.” Did you know that local business owners are more likely to give back to the community? Beyond actual dollars being kept within your local community - which is significantly higher when dollars are spent at a local business vs. a corporate one - small business owners are also more likely to "do good" for the community. Nyam Nyam’s Crepe
“When business owners invest in their community, they are not just working to build their business. They are supporting the schools their kids attend, supporting the organizations that help those right here in our own communities that need the help,” reminds Creekwood owner, Brian Sandel. Small local businesses across Cypress deliver community character and economic advantages, but they also strengthen partnerships among neighbors, residents, other small business owners, community leaders, and even schools by offering social and economic relationships. Many locallyowned businesses also support local causes such as the annual Cypress Area Eats Bash Out Hunger Food Drive, benefitting Cy-Fair Helping Hands, and creating even-more-good within a community. In closing, “SUPPORTING LOCAL” is not just about purchasing from a Mom and Pop-type shop or buying from local farmer’s markets, but also in how we, as a community, respond to crisis: a break- in, vandalism, or a plea for support for a struggling food related small business. Supporting local means coming together to strengthen our foundation for our children’s future.
Metta Archilla-Ishida is a Founder of the Cypress Area Eats Facebook Group, #onmettasfork
PinPointe Magazine
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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS News Source: CFISD News & Bridgeland High School Media
A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT In compliance with Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order issued today, CFISD has canceled in-person classes through Friday, May 1. In-person classes are now scheduled to resume on Monday, May 4, which coincides with the first day that UIL games and contests may continue. We will continue to evaluate this date with the input from health and government officials. Although nothing can replace the value of quality classroom instruction, the online Learning at Home program and take-home packets have allowed our students to resume education outside of campus. We are continuing to enhance this curriculum. I have received many questions from students and parents about graduation ceremonies. For now, we still have graduations scheduled, but we will be discussing alternative options and dates with high school leadership to recognize our seniors while maintaining safety for all. It troubles me to prolong time apart from our students and staff, but during this unprecedented time, I feel it is critical to protect our community and halt the spread of COVID-19. ~ Mark Henry, Ed.D. 16 April | May 2020
Although our classrooms are empty, we remain committed to supporting student learning. The District’s Learning At Home page provides curriculum which is aligned to current CFISD coursework. Teachers and staff from your child’s school will also be contacting you and your student to check in. I know that nothing can replace the in-person instruction and interaction of students and teachers, so I request your support in keeping your child engaged through the suggested daily learning schedule. www.cfisd.net/en/parents-students/ health/coronavirus/learning-home
History Repeats
This poem was written in 1869, then reprinted during Spanish flu Pandemic, 1919 Photo taken during Spanish flu
“And People Stayed Home” By Kathleen O’Mara, 1869
And people stayed at home And read books And listened And they rested And did exercises And made art and played And learned new ways of being And stopped and listened More deeply Someone meditated, someone prayed Someone met their shadow And people began to think differently And people healed. And in the absence of people who Lived in ignorant ways Dangerous, meaningless and heartless, The earth also began to heal And when the danger ended and People found themselves They grieved for the dead And made new choices And dreamed of new visions And created new ways of living And completely healed the earth Just as they were healed.
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SAT or ACT
Why Are These Tests Important and Which Test Should a Student Take? By Lisa Banks Long
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College Board and ACT have made changes to their testing schedules. The next scheduled SAT date is June 6, and next scheduled ACT dates are June 13 & July 18. Please visit collegeboard.com and act.org for further updates. Colleges look at test scores. That’s just a fact. Why? According to the College Board (administrators of the SAT), it’s important for several reasons: • It tests what the student already knows. It gives both the student and the colleges a sense of how the student will be able to apply the thinking, writing, and study skills required for college coursework. • The test is straightforward. Students who do well in the classroom are often the same ones who will do well on the SAT. • It’s more than just a test. The SAT also provides the opportunity for students to connect to scholarship opportunities, place out of certain college courses, and learn more about their academic strengths.
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) has been one of the pillars of college entrance exams for nearly a century. While the test has undergone multiple changes over that span, its current iteration is comprised of a combination of writing, language, and math sections. There is also an optional essay portion that some colleges require and others strongly urge applicants to submit. According to the Educational Testing Service, the ACT is based on information the students are learning in high school. The ACT has continued to grow in popularity in recent years and has become the most widely taken college entrance exam in the United States. While its content is similar to the SAT, it is seen as the more quantitative and straightforward of the two. The tradeoff for the more to-the-point question style is much more challenging time constraints. The ACT allows for fewer seconds per problem than the SAT. The ACT includes English, math, and reading (just like the SAT does), but it also includes a separate science section. It is also worth noting that while calculators cannot be used on the science test, the ACT permits calculator usage for the entire math section. The Educational Testing Service says that taking the Test: • Lets the student know if they are on track for college • Points out a student’s academic strengths and areas for improvement • Identifies how the student can prepare to succeed in college or a career • Enables a student to develop personalized career information • Develops a comprehensive profile that tells colleges about the student’s work in high school and their plans for the future. • Allows the student to connect with colleges and scholarship agencies that may be interested in him or her. Higher test scores increase the potential for scholarships, as 99% of all college scholarships are academic and based on GPA and test scores. For more information on ACT/SAT Test Prep Programs, visit: tutordoctor.com/cypress.
18 April | May 2020
AREA TO-GO DINING GUIDE Nyam Nyam Cafe online ordering, curbside pickup, and three new family style packs. 15201 Mason Rd. Cypress, TX nyamnyamcafe.com • 832-653-5900 2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ Drive thru window, online ordering with curbside pick-up. Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm 11711 Spring Cypress Rd. 2guys1pitbbq.com • 832-559-3923 Tea for Two Tearoom Curbside Service Entire Menu + Heat & Serve Casseroles Mon-Sat 10am-2 pm (modified hours) 8475 Hwy 6 N., Houston, TX 77095 • 281-855-1118 Andy’s Kitchen Order online, carry out, catering 15202 Mason Road, Cypress, TX 77433 myandyskitchen.com • 832-653-3802 Tacoland Mex Mex Tacos Carry out, curbside tacos, authentic flavors UberEats. 22224 Telge Rd. Cypress, TX • 281-894-5910 Arts & Crepes Carry out, curbside, delivery via DD, UE, GH and favor. Deliver family packs up to a 10 miles radius. Adjusted hours at Barker-Cypress HEB and 290 daily 8am to 8pm • 281-861-4615 Suzybeez Bakery Offering curbside and DoorDash Delivery. Selling bread, quiches, DIY Cookie & Cupcake kits 13802 Fleur De Lis Blvd Cypress, TX 77429 281.807.5777
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT
MEX Taco House adjusted hours, curbside carry out. 14030 Telge Rd Suite I, Cypress, TX 77429 Verna Mae’s Adjusted hours, offering full menu, for curbside and delivery. Catering and family size meals available. Online ordering and gift cards. 16010 West Rd., Houston, TX • vernamaes.com Rudy's Grill & Cantina Curbside pickup, Door Dash & Uber Eats available. Offering full menu & to-go margaritas with purchase of food. 11760 Grant Road Cypress, TX 77429 • 281-370-9766 Taco de Oro Mexican Restaurant Curbside, delivery and Grubhub Fajita, tacos or enchilada Family Packs Margaritas. Adjusted hours Mon-Sun 9am-8pm 9740 Barker Cypress, Cypress,Tx 77433 tacodeoromexicanrestaurant.com • 281-345-7632 R&R Crafthouse Grill Open for curbside pickup 1130 am to 8pm Can or bottled beers, wine, Frozen margaritas by single, quart or gallons Full menu 12910 Malcomson Rd. • 832-761-1018
Cypress Crumbl Rotating menu, new cookie flavors each week, Chocolate Chip and Sugar Cookies on Instagram & FB Order on app for delivery or pick up Curbside Cookies to go. Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-Midnight 28610 US 290 Suite F15 Cypress, TX 77433 8610 US 281-694-4220 The Cupcake Cowgirls Bakery Offering To Go, Curbside, Delivery and UberEats. Cupcakes, cookies, Chicken Salad, sandwiches and by the pint. Gourmet BLT, Broccoli Salad, Tomato Basil Soup, custom cakes, cupcakes. 10750 Barker Cypress, Suite 112 Cypress, TX 77433
Creekwood Grill Takeout, Door Dash, Favor. Curbside or regular pickup. Full menu. 1/2 & Full gallon margaritas, bottled beer and growler fills. Delivery available, but limited. Open Tues-Sun 11am-8pm. 12710 Telge
Alchemy Bake Lab 16214 Pine Thorn Dr Houston, TX 77095
For Heavens Cake Curbside, local delivery to Jersey Village and Cypress area , Door Dash, Grubhub Selling breads, rolls, cookie & cupcake kits, cinnamon rolls, small celebration cakes. 17488 Northwest Fwy., Jersey Village, TX 77040
Ginza Japanese Restaurant Order Online. Japanese, Sushi Restaurant 12728 Grant Rd, Cypress, TX ginzacypress.com • 281-257-2208
The Lost Cajun Call to pick up or curbside Online Chownow DoorDash delivery Crawfish Daily 11am-8pm Daily • 832-653-3767 24110 NW Freeway at Barker Cypress
Julia’s Mexican Restaurant Full Menu & Family Packs available Mon-Thu 11am-7pm Fri-Sat. 11am-8pm 6126 Highway 6 N. Houston TX 77084 Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory 12pm-5pm call for curbside pickup. 15014 Spring Cypress Rd 77429 • 281-547-7878 Juanita’s Mexican Restaurant Offering Curbside and Delivery for entire menu. Including family packs. Order online via website or phone. Open every day, 11am-9pm. 11550 Louetta Rd., Suite 1800, Houston TX 77070 www.Juanitas.us • 281-251-0206.
The link below is a list of restaurants that supported Wine Fair Cy-Fair either last year or who are signed up this year. Show them some love! winecyfair.com/p/getinvolved/support-our-restaurants PinPointe Magazine
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Music Through Early Childhood
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Supporting Your Child s Love of Music By Liz Arrington
few months ago, I wrote an article for Pinpointe Magazine focused on the developmental benefits of exposure to making music in early childhood. In it, I highlighted these benefits by specifically focusing on learning and academic growth. While the world around us is changing, many things remain the same. Our children are learning and growing through this unique period of time, with the majority (if not all!) of their time spent at home with their primary caregivers. As a parent of two highly energetic boys, I am there in the trenches with you! Our role as parents has become all inclusive, and exhausting. Music is a wonderful tool for any parent to use at any time: to support learning, relieve stress, and connect with your little one. Knowing that music is one of the building blocks to learning, it helps to understand what behaviors to look for and enjoy as we play musically with our children.
to your baby, you have to know this, it sounds incredible. YOUR voice is the most beautiful sound in the world to them. Singing and dancing with your baby improves your bond, helps baby to develop neural pathways, and teaches them language skills. The best part about making music with your baby?
Children of all ages express themselves through music, even babies! Infants coo, wiggle, and cry in response to (and on pitch with!) music. We instinctively use music to soothe fussy babies, sing lullabies to help them sleep, and use songs to play and communicate with them. If you are a parent and you’re insecure about how your voice sounds when singing
By preschool, we can expect most children to be confident and enthusiastic music makers. They like songs that provide repetition and specific movements, nonsense words and general silliness. I think most of us remember the great “Baby Shark” craze of a few years ago, which basically had ALL the major components of a preschooler’s favorite jam. Improved
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You are in charge of the playlist! Toddlers experience music, and most of their lives, through movement. They have fun jumping, running, clapping, and spinning as they explore different sounds and movements. At this stage music should be an active experience versus passive listening or observing. Repetition is the key for toddler music, as this supports language development and learning. If you find yourself getting tired of singing the same song over and over (and over) try replacing words with nonsense noises, narration of your day, replace the words with animal noises or sounds from the world, to encourage creativity and humor.
coordination and balance supports better rhythm development, and you may begin to see your preschooler incorporating music into their play. Your preschooler may be showing a greater aptitude for music at this stage, and they may become interested in more formal, structured, musical experiences. It is still very important during the preschool years to make room for a great deal of musical play and exploration. Play continues to be a major learning tool during the preschool years, and these little ones greatly benefit from self-directed, spontaneous, and play-based musical experiences. As children enter school age, they generally will have developed a basic competence for the fundamentals of music, the ability to carry a tune and keep a beat. Especially if they have been provided with a consistent exposure to music in those early years. This is typically when children are ready for formal music lessons and begin to learn basic music theory. The building blocks of early musical learning have paved the way for improved language development, reading and math skills, social and physical development.
Naturally, all children develop and grow differently, and it’s never our purpose to compare little ones as they grow. In general, we see similar patterns of musical development, but there is never a “right” or a “wrong” way for a young child to be musical. The common thread during all of these stages is your role as the parent. While nearly all children are born to love music, it’s the intentional encouragement of loving grown ups that unlocks the rich developmental benefits of early childhood musical experiences. Enjoying music together as a family helps to support the disposition toward the value of music, brings families closer together, and continues the musical journey that you have been on together since those early days. Liz Arrington combines her background in working with children and families with her love of music, to provide early childhood music and movement classes to the families of Cypress. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com.
PinPointe Magazine
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Style Questions for next issue? Email highheelsnmohawks@gmail.com 22 April | May 2020
TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM THINGS/PEOPLE THAT INCREASE YOUR ANXIETY.
We all have our own way of dealing with a crisis, and some of us do better than others. If you have the emotional energy to give to others during this time I encourage you to do so. If you are feeling drained and are having a rough time it is OK to pull back from those that are adding to your stress level.
DON'T COMPARE YOUR QUARANTINE TO OTHERS.
There are some people who are crushing the at home workout game. Some of us are crushing oreos. Some people have elaborate homeschool activities for their kids, and some of us are letting youtube teach them nothing. This is NOT a competition. We are all doing our best, and yes maybe it isn't our ACTUAL best. THAT IS OK.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM ALL OF THIS?
It is important that we walk away from all of this with something gained. Can we appreciate bumping into our regular friends at Starbucks? Do we appreciate our time with our families a little more? Have we learned to appreciate our alone time? Are we more aware of how much actual human connection means to us? Have we learned that The Tiger King makes our lives seem less insane? Try to do some reflection maybe even create a list of things that you appreciate more so when this is all over, we become better because of it.
Stay Fearless and hang in there!
Aison
PinPointe Magazine
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We Are Here for You. During this time of social distancing, we can still provide excellent service in helping you buy or sell your home. It just looks different! Virtual Property Tours Virtual Closings Unaccompanied Inspections Virtual Listing Presentations Virtual Buying Presentations Interest rates are low.
Call us today!
24 April | May 2020