At the May SMSD Board Meeting, Trustee Virginia Rosas asked that the continuing education and travel expenses for each board member be placed on the agenda. After it was explained by Dr. Hindt that as a new board member, a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education was required, and for existing board members, 5 hours, Ms. Rosas called for more prudent spending on attending these workshops and conferences. “We are an economically disadvantaged district. Under the circumstances we should minimize what we use. And I think the people should know where their money is going.”

At this time there is no limit of funds the board of trustees can use; however, Ms. Rosas would like to change that. She announced that after checking with several other districts, she learned their board members are given a flat amount of $3,000 per trustee to spend on continuing education courses. Additionally, she would like to take it one step further. “Personally, if I don’t use my $3,000, I don’t want anybody else to have the remainder. I want it to go back to the fund. When I ran, my platform was that I would be accountable for funds.”

After Trustee Rosas concluded her thoughts, a lively discussion ensued amongst the other board members. Trustee Cindy Hoelscher agreed and added, “This is a place where we can trim” so that money can go to other places like supplies and keeping taxes low. A counter-point was made by Trustee Etienne Zak that “Professional development is critical” adding that board members are unpaid volunteers and they “have to train ourselves to be fully informed.” Most of the trustees stated that they must “agree to disagree” on this topic and decided to table it for the upcoming workshop, but Virginia Rosas has a very good point – if the district is being asked to make a budget and stick to it, shouldn’t the same apply to the board of trustees?

*Both board members attended the National School Board Association (NSBA) conference in April. Their expenses have been finalized but the number of hours they earned are not recorded as of this date.

Shown are (From Left to Right) – Kurt Lasse, Sugar Land – First Colony Mall jcpenney Store Leader; and Eric Schenkelberg, Fort Bend Y District Executive Director.

The Fort Bend Family YMCA received a $5,000 grant from jcp cares, jcpenney’s new charitable giving program, to provide school-aged children with financial assistance to attend afterschool programs at the Y.  Specifically, the gifts are providing children at the Y afterschool programs at Stafford Elementary, Stafford, with financial assistance to participate.

The children that qualified for the assistance would not have been able to otherwise participate without the support of this grant.  More importantly, it is providing the supported children with access to life-enriching afterschool programs that cultivate the values, relationships and skills kids need to thrive.

“As a company founded on the Golden Rule, jcpenney has a strong legacy of giving back,” said Miki Woodard, president of jcp cares and vice president of philanthropy at jcpenney. “We are firmly committed to organizations like the Y, which truly make a difference in their communities.”

Eric Schenkelberg, Fort Bend YMCA District Executive, stated, “By working together we can not only keep children safer, but also help provide them with lasting benefits, including healthier lifestyles, improved social skills and an enhanced academic performance.”

For more information about the YMCA’s afterschool program, visit them on the web at (www.ymcahouston.org).  To learn more about jcp cares, jcpenney’s charitable giving program, go to (www.jcp.com).

Left to right we have Teacher-Tammie Myers, back row:Jacob Khan, Jordan Jackson, Keanu Willis, front row: Naomi Morgan, Eniola Babalola, Alexis Robinson, holding the poster, Scott Almaguer. In the back Rotarians Kirk Monroe, Cindy Fauvelle and front Wanda Kras.

Oyster Creek Rotary Club recognizes Stafford  High School students for their design of the Club’s  Crawfish Fundraiser Poster and  Commemorative T shirts. The students are in the Graphics Art Design Class. The 33rd Oyster Creek Rotary Club Fundraiser is April 13, 5pm-9pm at the Stafford Centre.

Like most education foundation tournaments, all proceeds from the golf tournament are used exclusively to impact students through scholarships and classroom grants.  As a result of support for this event, over $74,000 has been distributed to teachers to purchase technology including I-Pads, electronic readers, computer software, Scholastic News magazines, and numerous other types of educational equipment and supplies that could not be purchased within the current budget.  In addition, 40 graduates received $1,000 scholarships to assist with post-secondary education!

Information is available on-line at http://staffordmsd.org/default.aspx?name=community.edfdtn. Companies purchasing sponsorships can use the event to reward employees, entertain clients, or thank customers.   As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

If you have participated in the past – thank you!  If you are considering to play this year – please do!  Let’s play golf and support students!

Directed by Stafford Choir Director, Ladricca Price, the cast includes over 85 students from the elementary, intermediate, middle and high schools.  Show times are 7:30 pm on Friday, Feb. 1  and at  2:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 2.  All performances are at the Stafford Centre-Performing Arts Theatre, located at 10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477.  Co-sponsored by the City of Stafford,

Stafford Choral Boosters Club, Stafford Municipal School District, local businesses, churches, Stafford parents, SYBA, and many Fort Bend County political leaders, tickets can be purchased online at www.staffordcentre.com or call the Stafford Centre at (281) 208-6900 to set up your group seating.  Group rates for 10 or more in the General Seating Section are $7.

Three Stafford High School seniors will sign letters of intent to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue their academic and athletic career as members of the Longhorn Track and Field Team!  The students are Easy Anayma and twin brothers Charles and Carlton Anumnu.  The signing will take place on February 6, 2013, at 9:00 am in the secondary schools library.  In addition, Charles and Carlton have also been accepted to the nationally ranked Cockrell School of Engineering at UT.  Both young men have studied in the SEAL Academy for the past four years.

Eighteen Stafford Elementary School students recently earned high marks at the district UIL Academic Competition!  The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders earned medals in Art, Creative Writing, Music Memory, Number Sense, Oral Reading, Ready Writing, and Spelling including five 1st Place medals and four 2nd Place medals.

Six Stafford Spartans were recently recognized by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5619 for their accomplishments!  Eighth grader Miracle McRae was the second place winner in the VFW Patriot Pen contest.  Kira Malone, also an eighth grade student, was the third place winner.  At the high school-level Voice of Democracy contest students, and JROTC cadets, Cheyenne Goodson, Chelcee Williams and Bryan Pari-an swept 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, respectively.  Ms. Dana Rouse was recognized as the secondary-level Teacher of the Year at the Post-Level and was also selected as the winner at the District (city of Houston) level.

Three Stafford High School FFA students are participating in the Houston Livestock Show!  Ryan Mazoch will show rabbits and a hog; Mekalya Havens is showing a hog; and Donnell Jones will show his Scramble Heifer.

Stafford alum Marques Zak has accepted the role of Finance Manager for the Innovation Finance division of PepsiCo!   In this role, Marques will support Growth Ventures with responsibility for managing the innovation pipeline for Stacy’s as well as the Growth Ventures Value portfolio, including Stax and Cracker Jacks.  Marques was recently recognized by PepsiCo management for providing outstanding leadership during his two and a half year tenure supporting the Food Service Division.

The secondary schools’ Spartan Network has entered the Region 6 Education Service Center contest for Morning Announcements Videos!   To view the entry open the following link or copy and paste the link into your internet browser. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aLVoAUWAwk&list=UUSolZhnZEtzznWOPKOBEv9g&index=1  Go Spartans!

Parent Education is the focus of two upcoming events!  The Elementary School is hosting Family Math Night and the secondary schools are hosting Bridging the Gap: Academic Night for STAARS to provide tips to parents to help their child be successful on the upcoming STAAR assessment and beyond!  Both events are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7th:  Family Math Night  in the elementary cafeteria from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm; and, Bridging the Gap is 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm in the secondary library.  Go Spartan Parents!

Calling all Golfers – Registration is open for the 4th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament!   Scheduled for Monday, March 11, 2013, at the Sugar Creek Country Club in Sugar Land, this FUN event includes breakfast, lunch, adult beverages, contests, and GREAT door prizes including premium golf equipment, electronics, technology and more!  All proceeds from the golf tournament are used exclusively to impact students through scholarships and classroom grants.  As a result of past support for this event, over $74,000 has been distributed to teachers to purchase technology including iPads, electronic readers, computer software, Scholastic News magazines, and numerous other types of educational equipment and supplies that could not be purchased within the current budget.  In addition, 40 graduates received $1,000 scholarships to assist with post-secondary education!    Information is available on-line at http://staffordmsd.org/default.aspx?name=community.edfdtn and on the attached registration form.  Companies purchasing sponsorships can use the event to reward employees, entertain clients, or thank customers.   As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.  Let’s play golf and support students!

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is offering a class to become a Certified Angler Education Volunteer!  The class includes several areas of Angler Education and will advance your knowledge of Fish Identification, Rigging Lines, Eco-System, Fish Habitat, Stewardship, and Event Preparation.  Participants will receive an Instructor’s Guide, resources, give-a-ways, and most importantly a life-long appreciation to teach the same knowledge to generations to come.  The workshop is on Saturday, March 30 at Sea Center Texas, located at 300 Medical Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566.  To register go to http://ec.volunteernow.com/custom/1353/ and register as a volunteer, to “Teach Outdoor Skills – Angler Education, authorize criminal background check and sign up as an “Angler Ed Instructor-Pending”.  For additional information contact Greg Akins at 281-534-0123 or Genevieve Lung at 512-389-8183 or Genevieve.Lung@tpwd.state.tx.us

To learn more about SMSD programs visit the “News” page on the district web-site at  http://staffordmsd.org/default.aspx?name=news.homepage

Go Spartans, great things are happening at SMSD!

Shown are last year’s winners of the 4th Annual Gobble Hobble Fun Run.

Get your sneakers out for a great cause. The Stafford MSD Education Foundation will host the 5th Annual Gobble Hobble Fun Run on Saturday, November 3, starting at 8:00  a.m.  The certified course will start and end at the Stafford MSD complex at 1625 Staffordshire Road, in Stafford.

Cash prizes will be given to all top three racers in each of the 16 different groups separated by gender and age in the competitive portion of the Fun Run. At 8:45 a.m., during the non-competitive segment, you are welcome to push a stroller, pull a wagon, or walk with your under eight child while he or she rides a bicycle or tricycle.

President of the Education Foundation, Linda Hennes said, “Whether you’re out for a morning walk or ready to run a 5K race, the Stafford MSD Education Foundation Gobble Hobble is the place to be. Our course runs through the shady campus of Stafford MSD. You can register on line at my.EZTo Register.com. All money is used for student scholarships and teacher grants.”

At Monday night’s SMSD Board of Trustee meeting, the first for the new school year, it was announced that Ms. ShaMekka Pratt-Simmons, Board Secretary, had turned in her resignation. The only explanation given was “personal family reasons”. Ms. Pratt-Simmons became a Board Trustee in May 2009, filling an unexpired term. She was then elected to the position in 2010. Her departure leaves a gap for secretary, which Trustee Greg Holsapple has volunteered to fill for the duration.

SMSD Board of Trustees have several options for dealing with the vacancy. First, they can simply let the seat remain vacant until next May. One problem with this; however, is the Board Members would now consist of six, an even number. Having a seventh eliminates a split vote. A second option would be to appoint someone to the seat, perhaps a dedicated individual who has history with the District and the Board. A third, and more expensive option, would be to have a special election in May. Not only would this cost the District money, but any persons wishing to run would have to quickly put a campaign together that, if elected, would only last from November 2012 through May 2013.

Ms. Pratt-Simmons’ resignation was voted on and passed unanimously, effective immediately. Ms. Pratt-Simmons was not present at the meeting.

The top 5 vote-getting schools will receive: 25,000 Box Tops for Education coupons, $10,000 worth of Avery school supplies, and $1,000 worth of gift cards!  Open the link www.givebacktoschools.avery.com/schools/member, register to vote, and type in the school’s zip code – 77477- to locate it on the roster.  Supporters can vote every day and encourage their friends and family to vote also! The contest is open until September 14th.

Fort Bend residents living within the city limits of Stafford and Missouri City can attend college funded under a new educational program from Capital Idea!

Participants can earn a two-year Associates Degree in a specific career field including HVAC, Electrician, Process Operator, Nursing, Radiology, Welding and Paramedic!

All five Stafford Middle and High School Choirs performed in the Stafford Civic Center at their  Annual Spring Choir Concert and Broadway Pop Show.  Seven choir members will participate in the NAACP ACT-SO Competition at the Hyatt-Regency in Downtown Houston.  The competition showcases talent in Academic, Cultural, Technology, Sciences, and Performing Arts.  The students and categories of participation are:  Frankie Broussard – Playwriting; Bianca Beal – Vocal Contemporary & Vocal Classical; Haley Davis – Vocal Classical & Vocal Contemporary & Original Essay; Jahi Harrison – Vocal Classical, Vocal Contemporary, Modern Dance; Courtney Jackson – Modern Dance; Marshay Lewis – Photography; and Princess Robertson – Vocal Classical, Vocal Contemporary, Original Piano Jazz Performance. Go Spartans!

Next Saturday the SMS Concert and Mixed Choirs will compete in Director’s Choice “Music Across Texas” Vocal Contest in Galveston and on Sunday Fidel Angel Romero will audition for a chair in the Houston Grand Opera High School Studio for a year-long internship with the Houston Grand Opera.  The following weekend (May 4-5) the SHS Varsity, Mixed, and Concert Choirs will compete in the “Music Across Texas” Contest in San Antonio, and on Friday, May 11th, the Choir will host its Annual Awards Banquet which includes Senior Recognition and the Stafford Idol Contest Finale. The banquet is at 6:30 pm in the Civic Center and tickets are $10.  Go Spartans!

Eight choir students are advancing to the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest after winning Gold Medals at the area contest!  The students are Katrina Alf, Lela Beal, Marian Bilocura, Haley Davis, Jahi Harrison, Princess Robertson, Fidel Angel Romero, and Y-Lan Truong.  Go Spartans!

Four choir members graduating in May have been accepted to colleges to pursue their passion for performing.  Haley Davis – Stephen F. Austin; Eleonore Verkerk – Texas Tech; Jahi Harrison – Prairie View A&M; and Tyler Winchell – University of Houston.  Go Spartans!

This week, two SHS Bands attended Concert and Sight-Reading Contests and for the 3rd year in a row, Stafford earned a Sweepstakes Trophy!.  Under the direction of Alan Vasquez, the Concert Band received a 1st  Division on Stage and 2nd Division in Sight Reading.  The Symphonic Band, under the direction of Rod Rodriguez, received straight ones on Stage and in Sight-Reading!   District band program directors are very proud of both bands!   Go Spartans!

Stafford Choir Alumni are making news in their continued pursuit of Performing Arts education/careers:  Taylor Rasberry – Berklee School of Music in Boston;  Rojan Easo –  Houston Baptist University; Vicky Mason – Lamar University; Bryan Bilocura – University of Houston;  Michael Foucher  – Prairie View A&M; James Honore’ – Clark Atlanta University; Aarianna Longino – Prairie View A&M; and, Marcus Green and Michael Cooper – building their business in music production and entertainment.  Go Spartans!

The Stafford Spartan Athletic Booster Club Banquet is Friday, May 4 at 6:30 pm in the Stafford Centre.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 713-305-2099.

Commencement exercises for the SHS Class of 2012 are scheduled for Thursday, May 31at 7 pm at Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Sugar Land.  Following graduation, the 2012 Pro-Grad committee has planned a lock-in that will continue to make the graduation night memorable!  Beginning at 11 pm in the high school gym, graduates will celebrate with games, food, music, and prizes.

For additional information, email vking26865@aol.com or call Peggy Reed at 832-357-5120.

Stafford High School senior, Cristian Martinez, has been selected to receive one of ten scholarships awarded by HoustonWorks USA. Career Bridge Counselor, Cherise Roberts, said the selection is a very competitive process and Cristian was selected from over 250 submissions.  Stafford can be very proud of Cristian!  He will be honored at a reception hosted by HoustonWorks for the recipients, family and guests in May. Go Spartans!

On April 5, eight Stafford High School JROTC students helped Classic Chevrolet with its 2nd Annual Classic Chili Challenge.  The Challenge is a fundraiser for the Sugar Land Police Association.  The cadets set up and supervised games for the younger children attending the event.  Classic Chevrolet was very appreciative of the cadets’ enthusiasm and support and it was a very worthwhile community service activity for the JROTC.  Go Spartans!

Three Stafford High School theatre students won awards at the district UIL One-Act Play contest.  Jahi Harrison won All-Star Cast; Greg Franks won Honorable Mention All-Star Cast; and Cassandra Enemuo won All-Star Crew.  Go Spartans!

The Stafford Spartans Track & Field team competed at the Texas Relays and were amongst the best teams in the State! The following are the results from the event.   Go Spartans!
110m hurdles – Easy Anyama finished 2nd out of the top 27 hurdlers in the State!
100m – Charles Anumnu finished 4th and Carlton Anumnu finished 6th out of the top 27 in the State!
4X200m relay – Carlton Anumnu, Easy Anumnu, Tristan Barnett, and Charles Anumnu finished 3rd out of 27 teams!

The Stafford Middle School Bands received top scores (all 1’s and one 2) at last week’s UIL competition!  The Band Boosters are hosting their 7th Annual BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, April 28.  Tickets cost $8 and deadline to purchase is this Friday, April 20th.  Tickets are available at the high school from band students, boosters, and directors.  Go Spartans!

SMSD gave away over 15,000 new and used books on Saturday in conjunction with the 10th Annual Stafford Auto Show!  The Auto Show was the largest ever with thirty-two cars entered!  Winning the Best of Show was a 1958 Chevy Apache.  Thank you district and community volunteers, students, and the SMS Student Council and Chain ReAction Club members for your involvement.  Go Spartans!

Five DECA students from Stafford High School received top awards at the State Career Development Conference held in Corpus Christi in March and two will compete at the  International Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 28 – May 2.  Medallion Winners are Nicholas Gee, Calvin Quindara and Cristian Martinez for Chapter Creative Marketing Written Event.  Finalists competing at the International Level are Rosalie Sta Ana and Diana Panis for Financial Services Team Decision Making.  The Stafford High DECA organization was recognized at the state conference for being a TOP Chapter in the 100+ Club and the #11 largest Chapter in the State of Texas with over 120 members. Go Spartans!

The district PEAK Gifted and Talented Student Showcase is scheduled for Thursday, May 3, 5:30-8:00 pm in the Stafford Civic Center.

Twenty SHS students will be recognized for their community involvement at the Investment in Youth Luncheon on Wednesday, May 9, 11:30 am – 1:15 pm at Safari Texas Ranch in Richmond.  The students, members of the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) team and Stafford’s Green America (GTA) chapter, will have an opportunity to present information on their activities to attendees.  Tickets to the event can be purchased from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and proceeds are used to fund post-secondary scholarships.

In the Feb/Mar edition of the Caribbean Heritage Texas Foundation newsletter, Stafford Middle School 8th grader, Lance Byron, is featured in its salute to young people.  Lance is very involved in academics, athletics, and volunteerism and in the article “credits a team of significant others who have influenced him in becoming the functionally successful person who we celebrate today.”  Included are SMS teachers Sandra Miller, Alvin Williams, Andre’ Berry, Byron Thompson, Ernie Bennett, and counselor Carol Childress.  The entire article can be read at the link below.  Go Spartans!

http://issuu.com/cahft/docs/cahft_newsletter_february-march_2012

The Stafford KickStart program is hosting its Annual Spring Belt Ceremony in the SHS Competition Gym on Wednesday, May 9, 6:30–8:00 pm.  Over 200 students representing grades 6th- 8th will demonstrate their martial arts abilities before receiving their belts.

The SMSD School Board Election scheduled for May was cancelled and incumbents President Ettienne Zak and Trustee Virginia Rosas will remain on the Board for the next three years.  Congratulations!

The City of Stafford City-Wide Pride Spring Clean Up is this Saturday, April 21st from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm.  Registered student organizations with adult sponsors will receive a free t-shirt, lunch, and special awards.   Students should not attend unless registered and accompanied by an adult sponsor.

B.A.P.S. Charities is hosting a Walk-A-Thon on Sunday, May 6th to provide Stafford students with scholarships.  Registration is 8 am and the walk begins at 9 am in front of City Hall in Sugar Land Town Square.  Additional information and registration is available at https://my.bapscharities.org.

Comerica Bank representatives have provided financial education to SMS and SHS students during the past year and opened savings accounts for 39 SMS school students. The savings account program involves a bank representative collecting  students’ deposits at the school.  In May the bank will present financial course completion certificates to the students and also award 25 eReaders pre-loaded with summer reading selections.  Thank you CoAmerica Bank!

SMSD’s Career Bridge Counselor, Cherise Roberts, was awarded the 2012 Sister to Sister Empowerment Award by the Texas Women’s Empowering Foundation (TWEF) at its recent luncheon.  She was one of  17 women recognized for providing outstanding community service and leadership.  Go Spartans!

Discounted Astros tickets for this Friday’s 7:05 pm game against the Los Angeles Dodgers are available at the link www.astros.com/stafford .  The jersey pictured below will be given to the first 10,000 people attending.  Every ticket purchased through the link, or using the information on the flyer attached, will provide the Stafford Education Foundation with a donation!

Great things are happening at SMSD!