MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 1 Meyerland Performing & Visual Arts Middle School - Racing toward Success! 10410 Manhattan, Houston TX 77096-5202 Tel. 713-726-3616 Fax 713-726-3622 GREYHOUND NEWS December 1, 2016 Broadcast Journalism Wins at National High School Journalism Competition Early in the morning on November 9, five broadcast journalism students departed for the airport. They were headed to Indianapolis for the Journalism Educators Association (JEA) journalism convention. “I was so excited to have the opportunity to compete against high schoolers and learn more about journalism,” said Shelby Edison, one of the students chosen to attend the trip. On Thursday morning, the students, Ms. Arlt, and Ms. Latson visited the Indiana state capital. “I liked going to the state capital because I’ve never seen a state capital before,” said Madison Petaway. Once they saw the architecture of the capital and learned about the Indiana legislature, the group headed back to the hotel to visit the college fair that the convention hosted. Many different colleges told the journalism students about what programs they offered. This was a great opportunity for the eighth graders to think about the future. The next day, while the other three girls on the trip attended workshops, Shelby Edison and Àmbar Caldwell competed. They had three hours to write, film, and edit a news story on the Indianapolis Canal Walk. “I liked my competition because I learned ways to work under pressure and I got the experience of what it is like to be a professional journalist,” said Caldwell. Olivia Nixon went to a competition where she interviewed an expert on a subject. She placed second in her competition. Rory Schoech and Madison Petaway entered a news video before going to Indianapolis. They attended a critique session on their video and learned what they could do to improve it. “I enjoyed the critique session because I got to watch other people’s videos, and I got critiques that helped me learn new things,” said Schoech. In the midst of all the excitement with the competitions, the five girls also attended workshops to improve their broadcast journalism skills. The students plan to bring the new skills they learned into the daily announcements. The students were saddened to leave Indianapolis on Saturday, but they loved the experience at the JEA journalism convention. Shelby Edison, Rory Schoech, Ambar Caldwell, Olivia Nixon and Madison Petaway ~~~~~ The December Exam/Assessment Schedule is on page 16. Check it out! Be prepared!
Broadcast Journalism Wins at National High School Journalism Competition
Early in the morning on November 9, five broadcast journalism students departed for the airport. They were headed to
Indianapolis for the Journalism Educators Association (JEA) journalism convention. “I was so excited to have the
opportunity to compete against high schoolers and learn more about journalism,” said Shelby Edison, one of the students
chosen to attend the trip.
On Thursday morning, the students, Ms. Arlt, and Ms. Latson visited the Indiana state capital. “I liked going to the state
capital because I’ve never seen a state capital before,” said Madison Petaway. Once they saw the architecture of the
capital and learned about the Indiana legislature, the group headed back to the hotel to visit the college fair that the
convention hosted. Many different colleges told the journalism students about what programs they offered. This was a
great opportunity for the eighth graders to think about the future.
The next day, while the other three girls on the trip attended workshops, Shelby Edison and Àmbar Caldwell competed.
They had three hours to write, film, and edit a news story on the Indianapolis Canal Walk. “I liked my competition
because I learned ways to work under pressure and I got the experience of what it is like to be a professional journalist,”
said Caldwell. Olivia Nixon went to a competition where she interviewed an expert on a subject. She placed second in
her competition. Rory Schoech and Madison Petaway entered a news video before going to Indianapolis. They attended
a critique session on their video and learned what they could do to improve it. “I enjoyed the critique session because I
got to watch other people’s
videos, and I got critiques that
helped me learn new things,” said
Schoech.
In the midst of all the excitement
with the competitions, the five
girls also attended workshops to
improve their broadcast
journalism skills. The students
plan to bring the new skills they
learned into the daily
announcements.
The students were saddened to
leave Indianapolis on Saturday,
but they loved the experience at
the JEA journalism convention. Shelby Edison, Rory Schoech, Ambar Caldwell, Olivia Nixon and Madison Petaway
~~~~~
The December Exam/Assessment Schedule is on page 16.
Check it out! Be prepared!
MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 2
~~~~~
MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 3
No Place for Hate Club
The Meyerland No Place for Hate Club took a field trip this past Friday (11/12) to the University of Houston. NPFH
participated in a scavenger hunt and met with the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. This is an organization that engages
campus constituents by providing intercultural dialogues, and highlighting organizations and services that promote
diversity and inclusion, which is very similar to what we do on our campus. They hosted a full day workshop just for us
and it was awesome!
Christina Gonzalez and Alexia Adderley, NPFH Sponsors
~~~~~
2016 Art on the Streets - World AIDS Day Art Competition
Finalists & Awards
Great news from Mr. Adams. He received an email on November 22nd
from Corey Garrett with the results of the 2016
Art on the Streets - World AIDS Day Art Competition sponsored by CCM Foundation.
There are four Meyerland finalists, three art students from Mr. Adams’ class and one from Ms. Gonzales’ class. They are:
Ana Heron (Adams)
Maya Chorn (Adams)
Madison Eiland (Adams)
Natalia Crowson (Gonzales)
Quote from the email:
These students will have their artwork re-produced on a 3' X 5' vinyl banner and displayed Dec. 1st - Dec. 7th.
Meyerland and Reagan K-8 will have their winning banners displayed at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center (3810 W.
Fuqua, 77045) and McReynolds' winning banners will be displayed at Denver Harbor Multi Service Center (6402 Market
St., 77020)
The school with the most submissions, McReynolds Middle School, will receive art supplies valued at $200.00 from Texas
Art Supply. Meyerland Middle School turned in the second most submissions and will receive art supplies from Texas Art
Supply valued at $100.00.
The finalists, school principal and art teachers are invited to an Awards Brunch on 1/21/17 at Hiram Clarke MSC (formal
invitations to follow). During the Awards Brunch, a Grand Prize winner will be chosen from the finalists. The Grand
Prize will receive a scholarship to the Glassell Junior School's summer art workshop.
Congratulations to our finalists and good luck in the contest for winner!
MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 4
Advanced Orchestra Performs at Menninger Clinic
On November 15th, the Advanced Orchestra performed at the Menninger
Clinic. When I asked for possible photos, Mr. Altamirano responded, “Sorry,
the bus came an hour late and we were in such a rush that we did not think
about taking pictures. The concert was great and audience was amazed and
grateful.”
The clinic provided lunch for the students in appreciation for their performance.
A reliable student told me later that the bus driver had gone to the Heights
thinking MPVA MS was there. Astonishing.
In any event, the Meyerland Advanced Orchestra performed beautifully, like always, maintaining its reputation for
excellence. Thank you, Mr. A and Dr. Grube, for instructing our students so well.
B. Haverkamp
~~~~~
On Saturday, November 12, 2016, students from Gross Elementary,
Bruce Elementary, Parker Elementary, MacGregor Elementary, and
Garden Villas Elementary took part in the eighth annual Piano
Ensemble Festival at Meyerland Performing and Visual Arts Middle
School. This festival was supported by Walter Smith, HISD Fine
Arts Director and Betty Tinney of the Ft. Bend Music Company.
The event was hosted by Diane Grosscope and Rolethial McKelvey
of MPVA.
MPVA Advanced Piano students led activities including Smart
board Theory Games, Music Bingo, Media Performances, and the
Rhythm Room! Students also enjoyed snacks donated by Ft. Bend
Music Company. The morning also included rehearsal time in the
Cade Performing Arts Center of the ensemble pieces to be performed
later at the culminating recital, which also included two advanced
piano groups from MPVA Middle School.
Student pianists from Westbury High School performed in the Live
Performance room. Our special guest artist was Joshua d’Estoville,
from Prairie View A&M University. Mr. d’Estoville performed the
Intermezzo in C opus 119 by Brahms. He also gave a brief talk about
elements of piano music. The event was even more amazing
because of the representation of every level of Music Education from
elementary to college!
We are so proud of all of these students and also the parents of
MPVA who assisted with many aspects of this festival! A special
thanks to piano teachers Erica Sloan-Jones, Erin Champs, Steven
Haff, Stephanie Blue, Jo Ann Warren, Rolethial McKelvey and Diane Grosscope for their dedication to instilling a love
for music and the arts in these young people. I am sure we will see great things in the future from these students!
Looking forward to 17-18!
MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 5
Magnet Tours and Auditions for the 2017-18 school year at MPVAMS
December 1 Magnet Tour @ 1:00 p.m. 3 School Choice Fair @ Sterling High School - 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon 5 Magnet Audition #3 for the 2017-2018 school year - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. 7 Magnet Audition #4 for the 2017-2018 school year - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. 8 Magnet Tour @ 1:00 p.m. 15 Magnet Tour @ 1:00 p.m. Questions? Contact John Marshall, M.Ed., Magnet Coordinator 713-726-3616 [email protected]
~~~~~ Pre-Order your Yearbook at:
Jostens.com
AD SPACE AVAILABLE NOW! Ad prices starting as low as $25.
Pictures can be included at no extra cost. Create your own business ad, personal ad, or student ad at:
Jostens.com
Makes a great holiday gift
~~~~~
Meyerland PVA Middle School 2016-2017 Swim Meet Schedule - Revised
HOME TEAM VISITING TEAM PLACE DATE TIME
Westbriar Meyerland Westside HS Mon. 12/05 5:30 p.m. HISD Jr. High Open House Meet Lamar HS Sat. 1/14 8:30 a.m. Lanier Co-Host Lamar HS Wed. 1/18 6:00 p.m. Pershing Meyerland Pershing MS Wed. 2/01 4:30 p.m. HISD 7th Grade District Meet Lamar HS Tues. 2/07 4:30 p.m. HISD 8th Grade District Meet Lamar HS Thurs. 2/09 4:30 p.m.
The Varsity choirs, together with the Advanced Orchestra, will perform a spectacular concert of winter and holiday music,
crowned by the Vivaldi “Gloria”. The “Gloria” is a master choral and orchestral work, usually performed by college or
professional choirs. The vocal solos will be sung by former students of Meyerland PVAMS, with the oboe/English horn
part played by our very own Dr. Anne Anderson, MPVAMS parent. The harpsichord part will be played by Mrs. Diane
Grosscope, the head of our piano department. This concert is a home-grown compilation of MPVAMS talent, and a once-
in-a-lifetime performance for our middle school students!
Tickets will be available at all lunches during the week of December 5-9 and at the door before the concert. Student
tickets are $3 in advance; adults are $5 in advance. All tickets are $5 at the door.
The Choir Department invites everyone to start the holidays with the joyous sounds of the season!
~~~~~
Parents and students: It is essential that students enrolled at MPVAMS be at school on
time, 8:00 a.m., and prepared for class every day. Being present and punctual are
important now and will continue to be important in the business world and life in general.
Build these habits now!
MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 11
Fall Door Decorating Contest! The Fall Door Decorating Contest was held October 27th. This year 33 rooms participated. New categories were added like cultural door and lighting effects. The SLC (Structured learning class) and our Honor society students were asked to judge, using a rubric. Winners were announced on Friday, October 28th. Teachers and students won prizes. All participating rooms received certificates.
Winners- Congrats to all of the Fall Door Decorating contest participants. This year’s contest was the best ever! Way to show that Greyhound spirit! Drum roll PLEASE…… Honorable Mention-Mrs. Grosscope ARIA 3rd Place-Ms. Marks ARIA 2nd Place –Mrs. Vershier ARIA 1st Place –Ms. Adderley & Ms. Nash ARIA
Chandel Bonner-Hancock, Asst. Principal
Ms. Grosscope dooe with students Judging Ms. Vershier with winning door & prize
~~~~~
PTO Meeting Notes - 11/15/16
Greyhound Bash
The Greyhound Bash was a success, though not quite up to the first year’s Bash. With the Parker Elementary School
carnival in the morning and a large number of Halloween parties set for the same afternoon and evening, attendance was
down. Next year the date will be planned more strategically.
The Haunted Tunnel has not been dismantled pending a place to store it. Storage has been found and a sign up with be
sent around requesting help to disassemble and store it after Thanksgiving Break.
Traffic (This is a continuation of the discussion from the November 1, 2016, Greyhound News on page 10.)
Traffic remains a problem at drop off and pick up times. The fact that nearby elementary schools have similar time
schedules to Meyerland exacerbates the congestion. The timing of nearby traffic lights adds to the problem. The PTO
does not have the funds to pay for the extra police monitoring as hoped for by the Meyerland HOA. HISD, specifically,
MPVAMS Greyhound ~ 12-1-16 Page 12
our school, does not have extra funds to pay for the extra policing. The key way to resolve the problem is calling 3-1-1.
The City of Houston has to get enough phone calls from citizens before it will come out and study the traffic situation.
Parents need to phone 3-1-1.
SDMC
(The Shared Decision Making Committee is comprised of professional and non-professional staff, parents, community
members, and business representatives; its role is to establish academic and other performance objectives of the school.
Information from http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/150755.)
Nicole Lewis, PTO SDMC representative, reported that two items had been voted on. Carrying backpacks to class will
continue to not be allowed.
The second item was about returning to an 8-block class schedule. Beginning last year and continuing this year,
Meyerland has been using a 10-block schedule allowing for daily math class to facilitate teaching the changed, abruptly
advanced, math curriculum by the State two years ago. At the end of last school year, our students were doing much
better on the State- mandated math test. The 10-block system worked. Not all faculty have enjoyed the 10-block
schedule. The SDMC vote to return to the 8-block schedule starting in the Fall of 2017.
Parents were surprised to learn this and not happy. Questions were fielded by Mr. Sanders, who only votes in cases of a
tie. There were concerns expressed about student recruitment.
There are upcoming modifications to scholastic assessments where HS credits are involved. More details will come later.
Teachers Thanksgiving Luncheon
Desserts are requested for the annual luncheon being held 11/21. (A moot point now)
The meeting adjourned.
B.Haverkamp
~~~~~
Theatre Department News
UIL One-Act Competition
On November 1st, for the first time in three years, the MPVAMS Theatre Department recently participated in the UIL
One-Act Competition with a production of Twelve Angry Men adapted by Sherman Sergel and directed by Miss
Davidson. At the Zone Competition, Twelve Angry Men was one of the three productions selected to advance to the
District Championships! Along with this honor, Hayden Garner and Alexander Saggi received medals of Honorable
Mention for their performances in the production. That being said, Max Barrocas, Olivia Nixon, and Julian Cotom were
named as part of the All-Star Cast as well and also received medals for this honor. It was an exciting night for the
MPVAMS Theatre Department to say the least!
District Championships
At the District Championships on November 12th, Katie Butler received Honorable Mention for her performance as
well. Although we did not place at the District Championship, the growth from the Zone Performance and District
Championship was very clear. This cast and crew came together to put together a show in a very short amount of time
and owned the story of Twelve Angry Men onstage.
Musical Theatre Holiday Cabaret
You are cordially invited to the MPVAS Musical Theatre Holiday Cabaret on December 14th at 9 a.m. It will be in the
Black Box. This holiday spectacular will consist of musical theatre songs that will get you into the holiday spirit with
singing, dancing, and all that jazz! Expect numbers you didn’t realize were from musicals along with some contemporary
tunes that will have you grooving to the beat! The show should last about one hour. We hope to see you there!
Greyhound Kickstart KIDS represented proudly at the Kickstart KIDS Fall Qualifier on November 12th at Stafford Middle School bringing the third largest team in the region. Our team fought hard and brought back over 20 medals! Students who placed in their divisions will be going on to the regional championships in March.
Congratulations, Kickstart Kids and good luck in March!
Meyerland MS Kickstart Kids Sydney Bertrand & Alan Villanueva Katilynn Alex
Mason Brown & Prince Frazier Will Newman & Ethan Prak Fatima Robledo Melanie Mcmillan
~~~~~
Got Publicity News/Information/Photos about MPVAMS?
Please send information and photos about magnet area events/activities/field trips, etc., sports games/news/events for
MPVAMS teams, fundraising events, clubs, etc. to Ellen Tagtmeier and Michelle Cohen at
