Fall 2013

NORTH EAST CO

nnecTIOnS

Fall 2013

A Publication of the North East Independent School District

NEISD asks you, How do we move instruction for our students in the next five to 10 years?

Every year, technology advances by leaps and bounds. Most of todays first graders were born the same year the first generation iPhone was released to the public -- and many could operate one before starting prekindergarten. This change in how children relate to their environment has changed the way they learn in the classroom, and it is up to education leaders to evolve with these changes. We need to prepare our students for an ever-changing world, said Dr. Brian G. Gottardy, superintendent of schools. While we are making progress toward transforming the classroom, we have a long way to go before all North East ISD classrooms provide every student, every day with the opportunities they need to reach their goals. We need input from parents, students, employees and the community to effectively prepare our students now and in the future. NEISD Transforming the Future is a strategic design project that requires involvement from the community to build a revised educational foundation for the betterment of our children. This rethinking of how our approximately 68,000 students learn will include, but is not limited to advanced technology, teaching strategies and philosophies. Once finalized, the districts strategic plan will be presented to the NEISD Board of Trustees for approval at a board meeting in January 2014.

The Transformation Process

The four-month process began in September and concludes in December. Involving community forums, focus groups, action team meetings and strategic design team sessions, the process is separated into five key steps. ENGAGE COLLABORATE DESIGN CREATE LEAD
Students, parents, employees and community members attended six community forums in September to begin the conversation regarding the initiative. An online survey was also available for feedback. NEISD students, parents, community members and staff met in focus groups in early October to gather additional input on how to move instruction forward in the district. A strategic design team of staff, parents, students, and community members works to design a framework for decisions that will focus district resources and systems. Action team leaders will dedicate their time in creating action plans aligned to the New NEISD Vision and House Bill 5 components.

NEISD administrators will lead implementation with clear timelines and alignment to district/state objectives.

Group presentations and small group discussions at several community forums help solicit input about the needs of our 21st century students.

Inside this Issue

Technology Gets An Upgrade Teacher Flips Classroom Students Achievements Volunteer And Business Spotlights

Technology upgrades bring financial savings

The 2011 North East ISD bond program dedicated $64 million to technology in and outside the classroom, and efficient business decisions allowed the district to save $2.1 million in the process. The technology portion of the bond program is allowing NEISD to deploy iPads and SMART Boards, as well as replace ceiling-mounted digital projectors and computer labs in schools across the district. It is also improving network infrastructure through equipment replacement in the districts Data Center and hub campuses. One of those projects is being boosted by a partnership between two NEISD departments. NEISDs Construction Management is currently in the process of replacing all chalkboards in the district - which are known to trigger symptoms in students with asthma. Working together, Technology Services and Construction are installing SMART Boards or SMART Interactive Projectors in place of the chalkboards being removed. SMART, the company that manufactures the devices, offered a combined package of boards and projectors because of the districts high demand, which resulted in a savings that contributed to the overall technology savings of approximately $2.1 million. Both devices are utilized the same way, so all students will have access to this form of interactive technology. When this project is completed, around August 2014, more than 3,200 SMART Boards and Projectors will be installed for student and staff use. SMART boards and projectors allow students to use their fingers or a digital stylus to write, draw and interact with content on the surface of their classroom whiteboards. This technology makes instruction more interactive and engaging for students. As these devices are implemented, the learning environment in NEISD schools will continue to transform the classrooms to better serve our 21st century students.
Project Manager Ricky Reyes inspects one of the SMART projectors recently installed in the district.

Bush teacher flips her class instruction

Bush teacher Danielle Smith (left) is able to provide more personalized instruction using the flipped classroom method.

Bush Middle Schools Danielle Smith is coming off an action packed year. The Texas History Teacher, Campus Technology Committee Chair and 2014 NEISD Secondary Teacher of the Year implemented the flipped classroom method of instruction last school year with her students. She was even given the opportunity to present a dramatization of a flipped classroom to approximately 9,000 district employees at this years Convocation presentations at the start of the school year. The flipped method of teaching involves blended learning, where students can watch video lectures at home or in class, with traditional homework completed in class, giving the teacher freedom to offer personalized instruction, instead of just lectures. This teaching method is known to go hand-in-hand with technology implementation, as it utilizes a variety of electronic devices to enhance the learning experience. I believe that my students responded well, said Smith. I found the flipped method to be best at allowing students to work at their own pace. Students enjoyed the video method as well. I found it easier to get my students to do their homework when I was handing them an iPad and saying watch this video, then when I asked them to get out a worksheet. Smith and many other teachers in NEISD are helping to pioneer this new way of educating students. With technology being one of the main ingredients, she looks forward to the possibilities ahead. In a dream world, I would love to have a one-to-one ratio of iPads for my students, said Smith. Given the right apps, students would be able to take notes, complete worksheets and turn them in electronically -- and utilize other apps that are applicable to history.

Blessings from a Castle Hills first grader

A six-year-old North East ISD student armed with a purse and pile of T-shirts is on a mission to help the homeless. I just want to help them have stuff that we have and they dont have, said Bella Curry, founder of Bellas Blessing Bags. The Castle Hills Elementary School first grader started the organization to help the homeless with donations of items like shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorants and snacks. For more than a year, she has been filling up homemade T-shirt bags with donations from friends and family and giving them away to those in need through the Church Under the Bridge and Dress a Girl Around the World programs. Bella is a triplet, and while her two sisters support and help her, Bella is the one with a true passion for this cause. I just thought I could do something for the homeless, said Bella. Bella and her mom started cutting old T-shirts and turning them into bags. They are happy to accept donations of supplies and shirts from anyone who would like to help. A local Bahamas Bucks store Bella Curry started Bellas Blessing Bags as a way to help the homeless. even hosted a donation drive for Bellas Blessing Bags and gave She makes bags out of old T-shirts, then stuffs them with needed items like shampoo, toothbrushes and snacks. money to help support her cause. She is constantly thinking of ways to help others because she is just so compassionate and caring, wrote her teachers Hannah Cooper and Morgan Tondre. She is an inspiration, and I only hope that we can all learn from her kindness. For more information or to donate, contact Bellas mom Candice Curry at candicesnell@yahoo.com or call her at (210) 896-9039.

Star speech student named to San Antonios It List

In the past five years, the Speech and Debate program at Lee High School has grown from just a handful of students to a team of 50. One of those students is a shining star who was recently named to San Antonio Magazines It List as one of the 50 people in San Antonio building buzz and leading the Alamo City. Cosmo Albrecht, 17, is the captain of the debate program at Lee. Over the summer, he placed third in Extemporaneous Commentary at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Birmingham, AL. He is a 2014 Tournament of Champions qualifier in Extemporaneous Speaking. He is a member of distinction of the International School of the Americas Model United Nations program. He is also active in theater and president of the Spanish Honor Society. Albrecht is very committed to growing the debate program at his school and works hard to recruit new members. He knows Lee has a long-standing history of being a debate powerhouse and wants to be a part of bringing that back. This isnt just for me. It is for my school, said Albrecht. I feel obligated to give back to my community. I am pretty motivated. Albrecht wants to put his abilities to good use in the future and get involved in policy making. He hopes to study political science after high school and go into political analysis or consulting.

Cosmo Albrecht poses with a trophy he earned at a recent national competition in Alabama.

North East Recognitions

NEISD schools surprised with OfficeMax donation Churchill JROTC captures championship Encino Park student runs in Junior Olympics

Janice Pundt of Jackson-Keller Elementary School and Yvette DeBolt of Windcrest Elementary School were surprised with $1,000 in school supplies on Oct. 1 as part of the OfficeMax A Day Made Better program. I was very surprised, said Pundt. When someone recognizes you for doing a good job and provides all the stuff that you want for your class that is not always easy to get its a very nice thing. The teachers were presented with flowers and a giant orange box with A Day Made Better stamped on the top, which was filled with tons of teaching gear. From pens and pencils to a Kindle Fire and digital camera, both teachers and their students are excited about the new items for their classrooms.

The Churchill High School JROTC teams competed in this years first Mini Raider Competition at Camp Bullis capturing first place in both male and female varsity teams and third place in male junior varsity. The event consisted of three physically grueling stages: building and crossing a rope bridge, an obstacle course, and running a 1.5 mile course carrying four 35-pound rucksacks.

Encino Park Elementary School student Rocky Hansen is fast -- and not just for a third grader. This summer, Rockys speed qualified him to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics. In May, Rocky prepared by practicing with the Johnson High School Junior Jaguar track team. He advanced from the South Texas District Meet in both the 1500m and 800m runs. At nationals, he earned a gold medal in the 1500m and a silver medal in the 800m. This qualified him for the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Michigan in July. We were so proud of him for holding to his times despite the bigger venue and steeper competition, said Molly Hansen, Rockys mother. Hes one determined little man.

Churchill cadets manuever through three stages of competition to win first place.

Lee teacher awarded NEA Foundation grant

Lee High School Social Studies teacher Kevin Veroneau was awarded a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation. With 18 years of teaching experience, Veroneau impressed grant reviewers with his innovative ideas for instruction. He will purchase three sets of Spark 360 (RF) Student Response Systems and a Mobi Student-Centered Learning Pack to enhance the learning experience for his students. The Spark 360 (RF) is a multiple-choice clicker system that provides students with instant feedback on an LCD screen. The Mobi Student-Centered Learning Pack creates a student-centered learning environment by making it possible for multiple students to participate in lessons simultaneously.
Encino Park student Rockey Hansen is in full stride at the AAU Junior Olympics.

Jackson-Keller Principal Anna Nicolai congratulates teacher Janice Pundt on her OfficeMax award.

Encino Park teacher honored by Texas PTA

Windcrest teacher Yvette DeBolt is very excited to see all the goodies OfficeMax is gifting her for her classroom.

Encino Park Elementary School teacher Neil Shelby was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year as part of the 2013 Texas PTA Educator Awards. The focus of the awards is to recognize teachers, principals and superintendents known for Building A Childs Tomorrow. The PTA has been an essential part of my success as an educator, said Shelby. Through the support of the PTA I have seen the implementation of programs, activities, and lessons that have benefitted my classroom and my schools.

North East Recognitions

Windcrest celebrates 50 years of excellence
stuffed with a note, poem and picture for children in the hospital. At the event, students were greeted by R.C. Buford, general manager of the Spurs, and Chuck Cureau, Spurs in-arena host. There was a video message from Spurs player Matt Bonner. Silver Dancers, and mascots TBone and the Fox were also there to cheer on the semifinalists. Silver and Black Give Back is a public charity that supports youth-led service programs in San Antonio and South Texas. The Team Up Challenge is the service based learning initiative of the Silver and Back Give Back. the Rotary Club as a supporter who understands the importance of early reading and its role in the success of students. The library now has books that would not have been available without the help of the North Central Rotarians.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Windcrest Elementary School. On Oct. 4, the school held a celebration for the community to commemorate the milestone. The City of Windcrest helped sponsor the event that began with a breakfast reception and ceremony with Windcrest officials and the Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian G. Gottardy. Following the ceremony, students and staff paraded throughout the city to celebrate 50 years within the Windcrest community. The day concluded with curriculum activities related to traditions and celebrations.

Jackson-Keller students are thrilled with the new books donated to them by the North Central Rotary Club.

H-E-B donates to three NEISD schools

Harris students and staff pose happily with their $2,500 check.

Windcrest students enjoy a great day with the community during their 50th celebration.

Two schools named semifinalists for Spurs Team Up Challenge

Harris Middle School and Vineyard Ranch Elementary School earned $2,500 from the Silver and Black Give Backs initiative -- The Team Up Challenge. Twenty semifinalist teams were invited to the AT&T Center on Oct. 7 for the presentation, and each received $2,500 for their projects. The Green Team at Harris will use the grant money to grow a community garden and host gardening classes and a farmers market. Vineyard Ranchs team will use its money for a service project called Love Note Pillows. Students will make pillows

Vineyard Ranch students cant wait to begin their project with the help of this grant.

H-E-B donated more than $3,000 to three North East ISD schools that participated in the Primo Picks Premiere Night on Oct. 2. Vineyard Ranch Elementary School, and Bush and Jackson middle schools each received $1,000 plus $100 gift cards for each of their student groups who participated, including the science group, safety patrols and choir. The students volunteered at the event by greeting customers and helping with gift bags.

Jackson-Keller receives donation from Rotary Club

Jackson-Keller Elementary School recently received a generous book donation from the San Antonio North Central Rotary Club. After receiving the books, the campus prominently displayed them in the library. Jackson-Keller is fortunate to have

Shoppers enjoy an H-E-B sampling event with the help of NEISD students.

Golf tournament raises $70,000 for NEISD schools

The rain couldnt keep golfers away from the 8th annual North East Educational Foundation (NEEF) Golf Tournament on Sept. 20, 2013. A record number of attendees braved the downpour to support a good cause. Paul Wildeman and his company, Daktronics, was one of the tournament sponsors. NEISD has been good to us--super good partners. We feel they are a quality district and were a company that believes in quality and in not cutting corners, said Wildeman. My four daughters go to North East schools and I believe its the best district in San Antonio. There were 130 golfers in total on hand, representing 35 companies. Through the event, these community members helped raise more than $70,000 for the foundation. The title sponsor of the tournament, Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), was instrumental in the events success. Im a proud product of NEISD and we love to do anything that helps this district succeed, said Ralph Rodriguez of RBFCU. The NEEF Board of Directors also worked hard to provide breakfast, door prizes and goodie bags that helped to make this day an enjoyable event for everyone involved. All of the funds received by NEEF will go toward grants to fund innovative projects for classrooms across the district. For more information on the NEEF, visit www.northeastfoundation.org or contact NEISD Partnerships Director Amy Lane at (210) 407-0555.

A little rain didnt stop these golfers from playing for a good cause.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Title Sponsor: Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union Eagle Sponsors: Joeris Split Eagle Sponsors: First Southwest Securities/Cabrera Capital Markets; OCO Architects/Alpha Consulting Engineers; Terracon/Moy Tarin Ramirez Engineers Underwriting Sponsors: Diamondback Promotions; Education Facility Advisors; Raba Kistner; WJE Associates; Taco Cabana Birdie Sponsors: Alpha Building Corporation; Blue Cross Blue Shield; Central Electric Enterprises; Combs Consulting Group; Computer Solutions; Daktronics Incorporated; Frost Bank; Garza Bomberger & Associates; Jaster-Quintanilla; Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLC; Padilla Poll; Pape Dawson; PBK Architects; Pfluger Associates Architects; RBC Capital Markets; Reagan Diamondbackers Sports Association; RVK Architects; Satterfield and Pontikes Construction; Southwest Securities; The Darr Family

Partner Spotlight: San Antonio Spurs

The North East Educational Foundation presents a new fundraising opportunity with the help of the San Antonio Spurs. Through this special offer, the foundation will receive $3 per ticket purchased to the games listed below. Just use the instructions below to order your tickets and help the students of North East ISD. San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 7:30 p.m. San Antonio Spurs vs. Boston Celtics Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 7:30 p.m. San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 7:30 p.m. How to Order Online: Six Easy Steps 1. Go to www.spurs.com/schools 2. Select school district name 3. Enter the offer code: Schools 4. Create a new account (or use your existing one if youve ordered through this link before) 5. Select seat location 6. Print tickets at home (no Ticketmaster fees apply)

North East Connections is a community newsletter mailed to all residents of the district three times a year. Content is edited and prepared by North East ISD Communications. For more information, visit www.neisd.net or call (210) 407-0040.

Volunteer dedicates 26 years to North East ISD students

Omar G. Rios didnt grow up with a TV, car or computer. He did have books -- and for the past 26 years, he has been sharing his love of books with students in North East ISD. Rios, 79, retired in 1986 as the Deputy Chief of the Western District of Texas. He served four years in the U.S. Navy and is a Korean War Veteran. He attended Brigham Young University and received his Masters Degree in Sociology in 1962. When he retired, he could have taken a much deserved break. But instead, he began volunteering at Omar Rios has worked with students at Ridgeview Ridgeview Elementary School, Elementary School for the past 26 years. where his wife retired and his daughter still works as a teacher. This year, he starts his 27th school year at Ridgeview working with third graders who need some extra attention with their reading. He also helps to motivate them to be proactive learners. Whats our motto? Think and do, said Rios. If you think and do, it is going to lead you to success. I am trying to get my kids to think. Every group hears the motto and they know it by the end of the year. He explained that he wants his students to think I am going to do this homework when I get home. And then go home and actually do it. When I was in school, I didnt learn to think, said Rios. We were taught to repeat and rehash. I try to get them to think outside the box. At the start of the school year, Rios was greeted by everyone from the custodians to the principal to the students who were all excited to see him back on campus. He said he has been volunteering his entire life, but recognizes that it takes special individuals to take on the special task. In order to give, you must first have. You have to have it in you to volunteer, said Rios. Its clear to everyone at Ridgeview that Mr. Rios has what it takes and then some.

SHERRY RANTZ, LCSW 7410 BLANCO ROAD Counseling Children and Adolescents with anger management, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, school and family problems

210.286.6448

20 Years Experience

North East ISD is now on Facebook!

North East ISD launched its official Facebook page on July 8, 2013. Visitors to this page receive updates regarding the latest accomplishments and events taking place throughout the district. Everyone is encouraged to Like and follow the district to connect with 144 square miles of news on your phone, computer or tablet.

Volunteer Spotlight
Russell Green and Jay Strawn
Having Mr. Strawn and Mr. Green, along with the other Watch D.O.G.S. out front has helped me to create a more orderly environment during dismissal, said Anne Cook, assistant principal. I cant express the feelings of relief and happiness when I head out and see them at the crosswalk. They are a huge help to me and the Eisenhower community.

Fall 2013

NORTH EAST COnnecTIOnS

Fall 2013

North East Independent School District 8961 Tesoro Drive San Antonio, Texas 78217 www.neisd.net

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Russell Green and Jay Strawn have been instrumental in continuing and growing the Watch D.O.G.S. Program at Eisenhower Middle School. Ike Watch D.O.G.S provide a much needed services for the school. They help monitor students, assist with traffic flow and work on much needed projects around the school. Russells son, Braeden, is an eighth grader at Eisenhower. Jay has a sixth grader, Savannah, and an eighth grader, Kenneth, attending Eisenhower.

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North East ISD Board of Trustees

The North East Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age or disability. Susan Galindo District 3 President

NOTICE

Place your advertisement in this newsletter. Call 407-0396 for more information.

El Distrito Escolar Independiente del Noreste no discrimina por raza, color, religin, gnero, origen nacional, edad, o incapacidad.

NOTICIA

Executive Staff
Letti Bresnahan District 6 Vice President Sandy Hughey District 1 Secretary Edd White District 2 Trustee Brian G. Gottardy, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Ron Clary Associate Superintendent for Operations Janna Hawkins Associate Superintendent for Instruction and Technology Services/CIO Donna Newman, Ed.D. Associate Superintendent for Campus Administration and Human Resources Dan Villarreal, CPA Associate Superintendent for Business Services/CFO Shannon Grona District 5 Trustee Brigitte Perkins District 7 Trustee James Wheat District 4 Trustee Aubrey Chancellor Executive Director of Communications