PROGRESS WINTER 2019
PEARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORLD-CLASS WONDERLAND This winter, our students proudly showed off their artistic talents part of why they are world-class!
IN THIS ISSUE:
SEASON OF CHEER
PEARLAND PROUD
STAYING SOCIAL
Students gave back to the Pearland community this holiday season
New, interactive and innovative events are all the buzz this school year
Pearland ISD keeps you updated with campus and departments accounts
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Contents Issue 2 | FEBRUARY 2019
Superintendent Dr. John P. Kelly Executive Director of Communications Kim Hocott Communications Coordinator Lexi Marshall Communications Specialist Cissa Madero
Spreading Holiday Cheer
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I Am Pearland ISD
Communications Department 281.485.3203 EF PAGES LLC Project Director Kari Wenner Sales Manager Christine Grudecki
Cutting Edge
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Partners in Education
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PROGRESS
Lead Designer Rick Wallace Ad Design Ariel Levy
WINTER 2019
PEARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT THE COVER SHOOT
WORLD-CLASS WONDERLAND This winter, our students proudly showed off their artistic talents part of why they are world-class!
CONTACT INFORMATION General Questions/Comments info@efpages.com Artwork and Design art@efpages.com Advertising advertising@efpages.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
SEASON OF CHEER
PEARLAND PROUD
STAYING SOCIAL
Students gave back to the Pearland community this holiday season
New, interactive and innovative events are all the buzz this school year
Pearland ISD keeps you updated with campus and departments accounts
ON THE COVER: Shadycrest Elementary first-graders (Left to Right) Evan Anderson, Deborah Le and Fiyinfoluwa Makinde excitedly show off winter art projects they created with Superintendent Dr. John Kelly. 4 | PROGRESS
Progress / EF Pages LLC 404 W. Kenndale Pkwy Kennendale, Texas 76060 Ph: 214.728.8349 Fax: 817.330.0314 PROGRESS is a joint publication of the Pearland ISD Communications Department and School & Family Magazine/EF Pages LLC.
From the Desk of Superintendent Dr. John Kelly
MAKE SCHOOL FUNDING A TOP PRIORITY! The Texas legislature began meeting in January. Governor Abbott, the Senate and the House have all signaled that school funding is a top priority. In school finance, there are two dimensions to appropriate school funding: “Equity” and “Adequacy”. Pearland ISD needs help in both areas. With regard to equity, we annually receive over $1,000 less per student than the average school district in Texas. With an enrollment of approximately 22,000 students here, that equates to a shortfall of about $30 million. Why? There are two main reasons. 1. We have a lower percentage of economically disadvantaged students than many other districts. It is fair that such districts should get at least a little more than we do. 2. The state’s funding formulas have become so convoluted as a result of prior legislature decisions that our district, along with many others, have received disproportionately low amounts. Portions of the state’s funding formulas were essentially “frozen” in 2005 such that any legislative changes since merely perpetuated or multiplied the inequities. In addition to the “equity” dimension, there is the “adequacy” necessity. Each legislative session has piled on unfunded and partially-funded mandates. The net result is “death by a thousand cuts” in terms of school district inability to keep up with the expanded mission placed upon us. Inflationary pressures affect teacher salaries, health insurance, utility costs and many other things. State funding formulas that fail to address either inflationary pressures or state mandates inevitably result in “inadequate” funding. Many state leaders have proclaimed that reforms to school funding must address high property taxes. But discussion is needed on how to adequately add the necessary funding. Our district starts from a high place. We have repeatedly received recognition for both high academic performance and high financial efficiency. The Comptroller’s Office devised a method of calculating academic performance as compared to financial efficiency. That initial work is now updated annually by TxSmartSchools (www.txsmartschools.org). Our school district is one of less than 10 among the over 1,000 school districts in Texas receiving the maximum 5-star rating for this measure over multiple years. Accordingly, our district can make a strong argument that more equitable and adequate school funding is a necessity for continuing and constantly improving.
www.pearlandisd.org | 5
Spreading Holiday Cheer Pearland ISD students spent the last few weeks of the fall semester working on collection drives and service projects to give back to local organizations and families in need. Sablatura Middle School Gifted and Talented Academy students made fleece blankets for patients at Texas Children’s Hospital and decorated doors at Windsong Retirement Home, bringing some holiday spirit to the senior residents. Some did toy drives to brighten Christmas for area children. Rustic Oak Elementary collected over 340 toys, while PJH South and Turner CCHS also donated toys to the Pearland Police Department’s Toys for Tots campaign. Other campuses gave back by volunteering, making donations or holding food drives to benefit local organizations.
Rogers Middle School students adopted a family through Pearland ISD’s Angel Tree Program. With the participation of 30 students, bikes and toys were donated. Dawson High School bas eball players wrapped gifts that were donated to families in need.
Jamison Middle School stu dents participated in a collection drive for the Pearland Neighborhood Center.
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Pearland High School’s African-American Culture Club organized a holiday food drive to benefit Higher Ground DCD.
igh choir r Junior H ng erry Mille B ter and sa e n e th C f y o it Members elvin Knapp Activ eM visited th niors. nes for se holiday tu
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I AM PEARLAND ISD I AM
CHILD-CENTERED
“Ms. Charles is an example of a world-class teacher. She motivates and encourages her students daily. She challenges and supports them inside and outside the classroom. She supports her students (she even attended a student's karate belt ceremony), has notes of encouragement on their desks at all times, and acknowledges their thoughts, efforts and actions. She promotes a positive and caring learning environment and instills a love of learning in her students.”
Ms. Lexie Charles, Lawhon
- Amy Etchberger (Asst. Principal, Lawhon Elementary)
I AM
PASSIONATE
Chrissy Cruz & Debbie Sitler
“In 2015, Chrissy and Debbie were matched through the RISE Mentoring program. As with most mentor/mentee relationships, they started getting to know each other slowly. Chrissy is now in her junior year at PHS and her mentor, Debbie, can’t believe how far they have come. In just one more school year she will watch Chrissy graduate. ‘I love my mentor. We talk and enjoy hanging out. I can be a lot but she keeps showing up for me,’ Chrissy said. It’s obvious that they are committed, not just to the program, but to each other. Four years after first meeting, it’s hard to tell who has benefitted more from this relationship.“ - Mandy Benedix (Mentor Volunteer Specialist/RISE Mentoring)
www.pearlandisd.org/IAm 8 | PROGRESS
I AM
KNOWLEDGEABLE
Ms. Holly Hall, PJH South
“Ms. Hall took the lead on arranging for several PJH South students to participate in a roundtable discussion of young adult fiction with challenging teen topics at the National Council for Teachers of English Conference at the George R. Brown Convention Center. While participating in the national conference, students were able to meet and interact with young adult authors such as Jason Reynolds.” - Jason Frerking (Principal, PJH South)
I AM
COMPETITIVE
Chandler Green, Dawson HS
“Our son was recently filmed and interviewed by College Board in December to share his story about how after consistently working on the Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy and then taking the SAT a second time, his score was significantly impacted yielding a 210-point increase! Chandler has now chosen to pursue a degree at Sam Houston State University. Our son is a product of Pearland ISD, and we feel that he is fully prepared for the academic journey ahead!” - Tiffany & Carelton Green (Chandler’s parents)
I AM
WORLD-CLASS
Dawson & Pearland HS Bands
“After the announcement was made that both the Dawson and Pearland Marching Bands had advanced to the Texas State Marching Band Contest, the students chose to celebrate by getting together for a group photo. Even though both wanted to win, they were able to recognize that they can respect and support each other, while still competing at their highest level! A great example of world-class programs creating world-class people.” - Tom Bell (Director of Fine Arts)
www.pearlandisd.org | 9
Pearland ISD Goes Social Keep up with the latest happenings of Pearland ISD campuses and departments by following them on Twitter! For an updated directory of accounts, visit www.pearlandisd.org/socialmedia. Elementary Schools CJ Harris - @CJHarris_STARS Cockrell - @CockrellCubs Middle Schools Alexander - @AlexanderTigers Rogers - @WeAreRogers_ Junior High Schools Berry Miller - @BerryMiller_JH East - @PJH_East South - @TheDBackWay West - @PJH_West High Schools Dawson - @DawsonHighSchl Pearland - @PearlandHighSch Turner - @TurnerCCHS PACE - @PACEPISD Departments Bilingual/ESL - @PearlandBIL_ESL Business Office - @PearlandBIZ Communications - @PearlandCOMM Curriculum & Instruction - @PearlandLearns Fine Arts - @Pearland_ARTS Maintenance & Operations - @PearlandISDMO Technology - @PearlandETS
@PearlandISD
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facebook.com/PearlandISD
@PearlandISD
flickr.com/PearlandISD
youtube.com/PearlandISD
Latest District News Thu Pham, Director of Accounting Prior to coming to Pearland ISD, Thu Pham was a senior accountant for Spring ISD, an accountant for Harris County Department of Education and Houston ISD and an accounting specialist for North Forest ISD and Harris County Department of Education. She also specializes in Federal Income Tax for Individuals and Small Businesses. Pham brings a passion for providing quality financial operations to Pearland ISD. “My vision is to embrace technology to improve financial operations, to offer excellent services to meet and anticipate internal and external customer needs and to provide timely, accurate and high-quality reporting of financial data,” she said.
Kelly appointed to State Board for Educator Certification Superintendent Dr. John Kelly has been appointed to serve on the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) by Gov. Greg Abbott. Created in 1995 by the Texas Legislature, the 15-member board develops certification and continuing education requirements and standards of conduct for teachers. Kelly will continue in his term until Feb. 1, 2023. “I am honored to be appointed and hope I can serve the people of Texas well,” Kelly said. “Maintaining and constantly improving high standards for our profession as educators is a significant challenge. Fortunately, I will be working with and learning from some outstanding state leaders who make us proud to live in this great state.” For more about Superintendent Dr. John Kelly, visit www.pearlandisd.org/superintendent www.pearlandisd.org | 11
Around the District Harris Elementary second-graders and their teacher Brittany Stewart celebrated Unity Day on Oct. 24. Wearing orange on that date raises awareness for creating a bullying-free environment filled with kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
Alexander Middle School fifth-grader Christian Galan participates in Kindness is Contagious. The campaign supports troops overseas by collecting items such as bubble gum, tuna and treats to send to those deployed.
Turner College & Career High School eleventh-graders assembled over 50 pet blankets to donate to the Pearland Animal Shelter. The initiative was part of Cats Care, a project that encourages students to make a positive impact through a worthy cause of their choice. 12 | PROGRESS
PJH South seventh-grader Julian Valentine excitedly celebrates his academic team’s victory during the Right Choice Rally. The event recognizes students for academic successes as well as being positive influences on peers.
Magnolia Elementary students Olivia and Cayden Ivy, along with friend, kindergartner Isabella Esquivel, honor parent Robert Ivy during Veterans Day program.
Silvercrest kindergarteners Kylee Poessel, Avery Truong and Anika Bhasin celebrate their love for reading by showing off their favorite character outfits during Book Character Dress-Up Day.
Students and staff at PJH West donned styles from different decades in support of Red Ribbon Week, which raises awareness for a drug-free lifestyle.
www.pearlandisd.org | 13
“What If� with STUDENTS
Brooke Williams mentary 3rd Grade, Massey Ranch Ele al?
What if you could be any anim
e I would be able to I would be a unicorn! Becaus uld have all create rainbows, fly and I wo kinds of magical powers!
Aksharadevi Manikum ar th 7 Grade, Berry Miller Ju nior High What if you could invent
an app?
I would invent an app for good advice to help you not be stressed and get the help you need, right at yo ur fingertips. 14 | PROGRESS
Clyde Jones, Jr. 5 Grade, Sablatura Middle School th
What if you were President of the United States? If I were President, there would be no homeless people on the street, more shelters, food for everyone and I would reduce food waste.
Gabriel Molina, Jr. 10th Grade, PACE Center one What if you could change thing about the world? social and open, I would make people more ones, so instead of being on their ph other better. we could get to know each
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Dawson High School
JANUARY 2019 UPDATE Additions and renovations are complete at Jamison and Sablatura middle schools. Construction continues at Dawson, Turner and Pearland high schools, as well as PJH East and PJH West. These projects will be completed in late 2019. Work at The Rig is set for completion in 2020.
PJH West
Security upgrades at all schools are being implemented during 2019. Upgrades include security vestibules, access control card readers, additional cameras and fencing. Designs for the elementary school renovations are complete. Construction will conclude in 2019. The bond program is progressing on schedule and within budget.
Turner College & Career High School
For more information, visit the bond website: www.pearlandisd.org/bond.
Pearland High School
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Tuesday, February 12, 2019 6:00pm-7:30pm Science/Health Science Building Co-sponsored with Communities in Schools. For more information, contact: hwilliams@alvincollege.edu or call 281.756.3553
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PEARLAND ISD
GRADUATION 2019 Friday, May 24 NRG Stadium Pearland High School 2 p.m. Dawson High School 5 p.m. Turner College & Career High School 8 p.m.
General Information No tickets necessary. Parking is $12 per vehicle. 18 | PROGRESS
Cutting Edge District debuts innovative events Mini Mental Health Conference On Oct. 25, Pearland ISD welcomed mental health support staff from across the district for a Mini Mental Health Conference. School counselors and Licensed Specialists in School Psychology participated in sessions focusing on several aspects of mental health training to ensure students are empowered to be successful in school and in life. Topics included dealing with over-empowered children and parents, providing trauma-informed care, strategies to prevent and treat substance abuse and more. Attendees also interacted with 18 local mental health agencies through a Carousel of Resources. “Mental health issues affect many of our students and families,” Chenda Moore, Coordinator of Guidance Services, said. “It is important that our school counselors and other helping professionals come together to collaborate, share ideas and learn how to help our students and families. They are essential in helping students cope with mental health issues in healthy and productive ways.”
Dual Language Bi-Literacy Night Pearland ISD Bilingual/ESL Department welcomed close to 500 children and their families from Carleston, Cockrell, Lawhon and Magnolia elementaries at the first Dual Language Bi-Literacy Night on Oct. 2. Attendees came together for a night of fun promoting the importance of reading in Spanish and English. They were encouraged to connect with their children through interactive literacy stations. The event was an opportunity for parents to become more engaged in their child’s education while also learning new activities that could be replicated at home to motivate students to read in both languages. The evening supported one of the district’s initiatives of making academic achievement and student performance a priority, by focusing on addressing identified needs in the Bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
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Partners in Education This winter, the Pearland community and some of our top partners rose to the occasion when district students needed holiday assistance. When the weather turned cold, the Davis Days Foundation provided warmth by donating winter coats for students in need. During our annual Angel Tree Project, sponsors and monetary donations were able to provide Christmas gifts for 577 children! Members of the Lion’s Club of Pearland channeled their inner Santa by shopping for over 400 gifts. Later, district staff at the Education Support Center got together to help wrap those gifts. Overall, 98 sponsors contributed to the program making it a tremendous success!
Top Angel Tree Project Sponsors of 2018 (20+ children): 288 Corridor Rotary First United Methodist Church Lion’s Club of Pearland MFR Fluid & Air, Inc. Shadycrest Baptist Church Texas First Bank Tia Artisst Family & Friends For a full list of sponsors, visit www.pearlandisd.org/angeltree
ng ee Project shoppi assist in Angel Tr ub Cl ’s on Li e th Members of
ESC staff get in the holiday spirit by helping wrap gifts
nder is Days Fou r v a D f o n te , so Max Davis ps off a win roudly dro p , is v a D Josh tion coat dona 20 | PROGRESS
Out & About With the Board Secretary Jeff Barry and Sean Murphy participate with fellow Lion’s Club members in shopping for Christmas gifts. The Lion’s Club of Pearland sponsored 100 children through the district’s Angel Tree Project.
President Rebecca Decker and Vice President Charles Gooden Jr. show off their passion and pride for the district with Jamison Middle School teachers during a campus visit.
Playing Santa’s elves, President Rebecca Decker and Crystal Carbone welcome staff at the District Employee Christmas Party with lunch bags and door prize tickets.
Board members kick off their annual campus visits with a stop at Jamison Middle School. Trustees brought lunch for all campus staff and spent time talking with employees.
Mike Floyd visits with Lawhon Elementary teachers during a board campus visit.
Mike Floyd, Rebecca Decker, Charles Gooden, Jr., Crystal Carbone and Sean Murphy, along with Superintendent Dr. John Kelly get into the holiday spirit during the District Employee Christmas Party.
Board of Trustees Rebecca Decker | President Charles Gooden, Jr. | Vice President Jeff Barry | Secretary
Lance Botkin | Member Crystal Carbone | Member Mike Floyd | Member Sean Murphy | Member www.pearlandisd.org | 21
#IAmPearlandISD Pride: Education Foundation
District campaign and community fundraiser brings in over $20,000 for grants In fall 2018, the education foundation launched a t-shirt fundraiser for the #IAmPearandISD campaign to help raise funds towards its mission for classrooms and students. The fundraiser sold 2,195 shirts raising over $20,000 for the organization! #IAmPearandISD days are called throughout the year to show community pride for the school district.
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Foundation Announces 2019 Evening For Education Gala Join Pearland ISD Education Foundation for its annual gala and giving campaign to help fund innovative projects and classroom needs for students and teachers. The most vivid black-tie event of the season, Illuminate: A Radiant Night for Education will be held on March 2 at The Citadel in Houston, TX. With a glow theme, guests are called upon to dress in their brightest attire and help to “ignite the future of education.� The dazzling soiree will feature dinner, live music and live and silent auctions. Annual giving partners receive year-long acknowledgement for their tax-deductible contribution. Individual gala tickets may be purchased for $175. Donors of $500 or more will receive complimentary tickets to the gala. Donors of $7,500 or more will be recognized as an Adopt-a-Grant sponsor, which includes naming rights to a classroom project and the opportunity to present the award to grant recipient. All proceeds benefit Pearland ISD Education Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.pearlandisd.org/annualgala. Gala sponsorship opportunities are available. The foundation also seeks auction and in-kind donations. Please contact 281.997.4987 or foundation@pearlandisd.org.
LEVELS OF ANNUAL GIVING  �  ��� � � �  �   € �  ‚  ƒ „ … †† � „ ‡ ˆ ‡
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