Partners in Education

The La Porte community has stepped forward in a big way to make a positive impact on the children of our district. As of April 12, 52 volunteers are participating in the HELPS (Helping Empower La Porte Students) mentoring program that began last fall at La Porte ISD elementary schools and started at the James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus this spring.

The program was initiated by La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce volunteer Frank Nance with Jeff Martin, president of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce and La Porte ISD trustee, and Dr. Walter Jackson, La Porte ISD superintendent and a Chamber Board member.

The focus of HELPS is to create a safe space for the student to experience warm, supportive encouragement from a caring adult. Student participants are selected by their school counselors, and they are paired with mentors who have similar interests or hobbies.

“I love how the community has responded to the opportunity to become mentors in La Porte ISD,” Nance said. “Individuals, businesses and our churches have really stepped into these opportunities and students’ lives. This program wouldn’t be possible without the community’s desire to help these students feel seen, heard and loved.”

Mentors make the commitment to spend 30 minutes each week with their student during lunch or elective time. They can bring lunch for themselves and their student or buy lunch at the campus. During their time together, they might play Uno, do an art project, work on a puzzle, or toss a ball back and forth—it all depends on what the mentor and student enjoy doing.

Because consistency is important, mentors are asked to communicate with the school when they aren’t able to attend. Mentors must also participate in training sessions 2-3 times per school year and meet all La Porte ISD and campus guidelines for conduct, including a background check.

“I highly encourage the HELPS mentoring program for the bonding experience that we get with our students,” said Brenda Thompson of DuPont, who mentors a student at Bayshore Elementary. “The quality time spent together makes a big difference to both sides when the match is made right.” Thompson gave her mentee some zinnia seeds earlier this spring, and one of her favorite moments is when the student excitedly showed her photos of the buds after she planted them at home.

Additional mentors are still needed, and volunteers can sign up now in preparation for the 2023-24 school year. More information on becoming a HELPS mentor, as well as a link to the district volunteer application/background check, is available at lpisd.org/our-district/partners-ineducation or by calling 281-604-7084.

NewChiefFinancialOfficer

Stacey McDowell is La Porte ISD’s new chief financial officer. She succeeded Rhonda Cumbie, who retired at the end of December 2022 after 14 years in the district. McDowell, a 1995 La Porte High School graduate, has worked the past 17 years in the Deer Park ISD Business Office. As its director of finance, she was responsible for the financial audit, cash and investments, budgets, grants, bonds and the general ledger.

“Not only does Mrs. McDowell bring exceptional school finance skills, but she and her family also have deep La Porte roots,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Walter Jackson said. “She fully respects and understands our district’s importance to the La Porte community.”

Prior to graduating from La Porte High School, McDowell attended Jennie Reid Elementary and Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary schools and Baker Junior High School.

“It is really nice to come home,” McDowell said. “The people in this department have worked very diligently through the years to ensure that everything has run smoothly and efficiently, and I am fortunate to be working with such a knowledgeable team.”

McDowell graduated with cum laude honors from the University of Houston, where she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration. Prior to moving into the public education sector, she was an oil and gas accountant for ExxonMobil for six years.

“Mrs. McDowell’s expertise will enable us to continue our focus on managing a financially responsible budget while supporting the growth and development of our students and teachers,”Dr. Jackson said.