SOLAR ENERGY SOARS GEAR UP HOSTS

Local business partners unite

for solar energy

initiative

Summer college tours help

students gear up for the future

30 minutes to make a difference

in a child’s life

PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 5The Pasadena Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment matters, in its admissions policies, or by excluding from participation in, denying access to, or denying the benefits of district services, academic and/or vocational and technology programs, or activities as required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For information about Title IX rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Candace Ahlfinger, Associate Superintendent for Communications and Community Relations, 1515 Cherrybrook, Pasadena, Texas 77502; (713) 740-0247. For information about Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Jeanne Nelson, Instructional Specialist for Dyslexia, Intervention, and 504, 1515 Cherrybrook, Pasadena, Texas 77502; (713) 740-0067.

TEAMING UP FOR SUCCESS

SEPTEMBER 2011

PARTNERS IN PASADENA2

BUSINESS PARTNERS UNITE FOR SOLAR ENERGY INITIATIVE

Clear, sunlit skies provided the ideal stage for scientists, engineers and environmentalists to team up with Pasadena ISD officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch revolutionary solar energy projects at two district high schools. Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis sliced through a blue “Solar Initiative” ribbon at Sam Rayburn High School before a reception crowd of more than 100 guests from the business, science and educational communities. The ceremony provided an official start-up of solar energy projects at Sam Rayburn and also South Houston High School. Energy provided by the systems is expected save the district about $15,000 in energy costs. “America’s strength in the 21st Century is going to be built on creativity and the innovation of the students who we graduate,” Dr. Lewis said. “I cannot think of anything that will be more challenging and more relevant to our students than green technology.” Speakers at the ceremony also included Dr. Richard Haut, senior research scientist at Houston Advanced Research Center; Peter Mathey, CEO and president of Ignite Solar; Ken Kramer of the Texas Chapter of the Sierra Club; and Alejandro Savransky, the state field organizer of Environment Texas. The initiative represents the largest solar rooftop project in any Texas public school system. The solar installations are designed to produce 145 kilowatts of energy. Obtaining a cheaper and cleaner source of energy isn’t the only goal of the project. Pasadena ISD administration and staff are incorporating the solar technology into the district

science curriculum. Students will receive hands-on training that will enable them to better understand solar technology. “To be able to offer them this kind of opportunity is immeasurable,” Dr. Lewis said. “What we are creating in this district is a learning laboratory that I think is the beginning of what I would like to see happen across the district.” Kramer emphasized the environmental benefits of the project. “The completion of the solar power installation not only benefits the environment,” Kramer said, “it also enhances our ability to educate our students in a way that teaches practical solutions to society’s pressing problems.” The event concluded with guided tours of the kiosk, the inverter room and solar awning along the south side of the school. Members of the Sam Rayburn High School JROTC provided campus escorts for many of the guests. “This project allows our students and community to learn about solar energy and how it can be used to sustain our fragile environment,” said Grace Blasingame, the science content specialist at Sam Rayburn who has served as the school’s point person on the project. Dr. Haut said plans are in the works for two more solar projects at Pasadena ISD facilities. “What a vision and what an opportunity that starts right here,” Dr. Haut said.

Local College tours help students GEAR UP

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GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a six-year federal grant that focuses on helping students prepare for college and their careers by offering resources such as mentoring, internships and summer camps.

GEAR UP’s summer program for the Pasadena ISD’s senior class of 2012 was dramatically expanded this year to include a “Collegepalooza” tour featuring 13 field trips, all during the month of June. The GEAR UP summer program was launched in the summer of 2007and targeted one specific cohort of students - those who had just completed the seventh grade in 2007. The goal of the grant was to acquaint those students with various college environments and emphasize the importance of a college education. The summer program accomplished this by encouraging students to use their summer break for educational enrichment opportunities. “The programs have always had a college and career focus so that the students are able to make the connection between high school and their future endeavors,” said Karen McCarley, the Pasadena ISD’s GEAR UP Coordinator. Past summer programs were built solely around a partnership with San Jacinto College, but this year the program included field trips to additional campus locations, such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M-Galveston, Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M, to name a few. “They have accomplished so much over the past five years,” McCarley said. “And we hope we have helped them become better informed about making decisions about their future.” Cohort students are scheduled to graduate this May. GEAR UP is always looking for community partners to provide career days, job shadowing and career-based field trips for students. If you would like to partner with GEAR UP, contact Karen McCarley at 713-740-0919 or at kmccarley@pasadenaisd.org.

4 PARTNERS IN PASADENA

Peyton Vasquez, a third-grade student at Golden Acres Elementary, led a parade of community contributors honored by the Pasadena ISD Board of Trustees as the district’s Volunteers of the Year. Vasquez, who will begin the fourth grade in August, was named District Student Volunteer of the Year for his efforts on behalf of the Candlelighters Fun Walk last September. The Fun Walk is an annual event that raises tuition funds for Camp Cliff, a retreat for childhood cancer patients and their families. Vasquez, a cancer patient, mounted a marathon door-to-door effort for donations. The 451st Civil Affairs Battalion of the U.S. Army Reserve was presented with the Organization Volunteer Award for its partnership with Keller Middle School. The 451st has provided mentors to the school, assisted with Career Day speakers and implemented programs to honor student achievement. The partnership between the 451st and Keller began when the school opened in 2008 and adopted the Ranger as its mascot. Brett Emerson, a firefighter with the Pasadena Fire Department, was honored as the district’s Volunteer of the Year for secondary schools. For the past six years, Emerson has supported numerous events through his association with Sam Rayburn High, including rappelling activities for Sam Rayburn’s JROTC program. Recently, Emerson organized a crash rescue simulation for the

landing of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on the Sam Rayburn campus. Parks Elementary volunteer Dwight Key was named recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award for elementary schools. Key retired from his job at the Shell Refinery 13 years ago and took up a volunteer “residence” at Parks, his starring role being that of Santa Claus each Christmas season. Key has also worked with first- and second-graders in HOSTS program. He mentors a handful of students each week. Central Ace Hardware, owned and operated by the Williams family on Beamer Road in the South Belt area, was honored as Outstanding Volunteer for small businesses. Ron Williams, a Dobie alumnus, has committed to donate paintbrushes annually to students involved in the Seniors Helping Seniors program. His store routinely offers discounts for other project needs. Wal-Mart #2724 was honored as Company Volunteer of the Year. The store has partnered with Gardens Elementary for the school’s annual Teacher Appreciation Day and has provided financial support for the Family Literacy Initiative and other events. Patricia Romo, the store’s manager, launched a “Backpacks of Love” program to provide families in need with a week’s worth of food supplies. A complete list of winners for Volunteers of the Year can be found online at www1.pasadenaisd.org.

Volunteers of the Year Third-grader leads parade

of volunteer heroes

PARTNERS IN PASADENA 5

Coming into its 19th year, the Helping One Student to Succeed (HOSTS) program has helped young students improve their reading, writing and problem solving skills. For just thirty minutes a week, business and community volunteers can help lay the groundwork for our future leaders. “Nothing is more powerful than helping a young child read,” said Dr. Kirk Lewis, superintendent of schools. “HOSTS mentors make the difference, and we truly appreciate the people who give of their time to help our students improve their reading skills.” Jesse Gutierrez, president and CEO of Texas Bay Area Credit Union said that HOSTS is a natural fit for him and his employees. “A little bit of time each week goes a long way in helping these students,” said Gutierrez. “Quite simply, it’s the right thing to do, and we enjoy doing it. You can never go wrong when you help one student to succeed.”

Almost two decades ago, Ben Meador and his team at Meador Staffing saw the program as a way to join in with the Pasadena community.

“We believe it is a corporate responsibility to give back to a community that has been so good to us,” said Meador. “It is very gratifying to work with the young people as they gain confidence.” The time that volunteers spend with students in the Pasadena ISD is an important investment that can lead to a future of rewards. To get involved with HOSTS, contact Ginger Lay at 713-740-0051 or via email at glay@pasadenaisd.org.

it only takes 30 minutesBe a HOSTS Volunteer...

to make a difference in a child’s life

PARTNERS IN PASADENA6

The Pasadena ISD Education Foundation made district school teachers feel like a million bucks-- and in a very real sense. Representatives of the Education Foundation and the Pasadena ISD held their spring Prize Parade, launching surprise visits at 21 district campuses to reward 33 teachers and groups of teachers who had written successful grant requests. Most significant was the stop at Jackson Intermediate, where a mini-grant check from Albemarle Corp. for $5,000 was presented to a trio of music educators for the purchase of sound and recording equipment. The $5,000 check officially pushed the Education Foundation’s total mini-grant funding, since the program was launched in 2003, over the $1 million mark. Bill Barmore, president of the Education Foundation, called the latest round of mini-grant awards “a great milestone.” “What a great honor it is to be able to provide the students of Pasadena ISD with enhanced educational opportunities, brought to us in the form of innovative mini-grants by the talented educators of our district,” Barmore said. “We at Jackson Intermediate feel very honored to be the recipient of the grant that is the millionth dollar in mini-grant money that the foundation has given over the years,” said the school’s principal, Paula Sword.

“Pasadena ISD Education Foundation has given so many opportunities for the students in our district. They have worked tirelessly to raise the funds for the numerous mini-grants they have provided.” By far, the big Prize Parade winner was Williams Elementary, which landed six mini-grants worth $14,188. Teachers at Pasadena High, Sam Rayburn High and Moore Elementary earned three mini-grants each. Jessup Elementary landed two. Mini-grants were also awarded to Memorial High, The Summit, the L.P. Card Center, Shaw Middle School, Morris Middle School, Melillo Middle School, Fisher Elementary, Sparks Elementary, Red Bluff Elementary, Bush Elementary, Gardens Elementary, Kruse Elementary, Parks Elementary, McMasters Elementary and Turner Elementary. Mini-grant awards that day totaled $113,553, raising the eight-year total to $1,103,250. Barmore gave credit to the hundreds of volunteers who contribute time and money to Education Foundation events. Said Barmore: “This represents the culmination of countless hours of volunteer work done in connection with the Texas Invitational Basketball Tournaments, the Shining Stars Galas and the Dancing with Principals events, the generosity of hundreds of faithful educators with their donations to the Cornerstone Club, and the faithfulness of individuals and corporate partners in their financial contributions to the Foundation.”

foundation hits $1 million mark!

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From DNA extractions and rocketry to astronaut training workshops, South Houston Intermediate teacher Katherine Roessler experienced the inner secrets of outer space at the Educators Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., this summer. Roessler was one of 93 educators from around the globe to attend the week-long camp, sponsored by Boeing and now in its 20th year. The camp encourages educators to continue their personal explorations in math, science and technology by experiencing hands-on training and joining in workshops. With that training, teachers will be better equipped to stimulate students’ interest in those fields. “It was an intense week of training and learning,” Roessler said. The camp also provides online materials that include lesson plans and step-by-step lab experiments for educators to use in their classrooms. Roessler said one of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to experience simulated space missions and training procedures that astronauts use. “On the shuttle simulator, you work as a team,” Roessler said. “But each individual is responsible for correctly completing their part on time using math and science. If not, you fail the mission. It’s a rush.” The camp allowed Roessler to network with top professionals and educators. She said she hopes to have a Boeing representative speak at her school. “The big picture is teamwork and leadership,” she said. “I can’t wait to get back in the classroom and show my students everything I learned.” Who knows? She may even show up to school in her space suit one day.

Pasadena ISD Educator attends Space Camp

speakers bureau seeks volunteers If you have a desire to work with children and make a difference in students’ lives, you may have the opportu-nity to make your voice heard through the Pasadena ISD’s Speaker’s Bureau. The district’s community relations office maintains a pipe-line to link campuses with speakers: business professionals and others who are willing to share their expertise or their experiences with district students. “Whether they are a local business owner or someone who works in the science field, we are looking for people to give our students an inside look into their careers and share how they have become successful,” said Cindy Parmer, Pasa-dena ISD’s director of community relations. Speaker’s Bureau volunteers have the opportunity to par-ticipate in career days at the schools or to speak to certain classes that parallel their expertise. Recently, six employees from the NASA Johnson Space Center volunteered their time to visit seventh-grade Texas History classes at South Houston Intermediate.

The NASA contingents discussed the important role that Texas has played in the space program. Students were given hands-on experience with Space Shuttle and Space Station arti-facts, including an astronaut’s glove, a cooling suit, a tile from the Space Shuttle and actual space food. “These mentors can make a tremendous difference in stu-dents’ lives,” Parmer said. “Their stories can inspire students to do their very best and set goals for themselves.” If you are interested in becoming a part of the Pasadena ISD Speaker’s Bureau, call Cindy Parmer at 713-740-0288 or e-mail cparmer@pasadenaisd.org. Volunteer applications are available at www1.pasadenaisd.org/volunteer.

texans’ star tackles literacy The leading rusher in the National Football League galloped into the school library at Memorial High to tell students about his sudden rise to sports fame and to stress the importance of reading and literacy. Arian Foster, the backfield star of the Houston Texans, accepted an invitation to address Memorial High students. Several dozen packed the library, along with faculty and other guests, to hear Foster talk about everything from growing up to the kind of car he drives. Students were treated to a pizza lunch afterward. An undrafted free agent who signed with the Texans in 2009, Foster blasted onto the NFL’s center stage late last season. In the Texans’ first game this season, a victory over the Indianapolis Colts, he rushed for 231 yards, the second-highest total ever in an opening-day NFL game.

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