CHS Transportation Feeder Pattern Angel Tree - … · Tommy Quill (tuba) and Nathan Streger ......

This year, the Comal ISD transportation department once again organized a large “Angel Tree”drive to help families and children in the community have a better holiday season. Nearly 100 giftswere gathered by members of the Comal ISD transportation department during the drive. Pictured aremembers of the Canyon High, Smithson Valley and Canyon Lake transportation hubs around theirindividual “Angel Tree.”

Angels in the CISD transportation departmentCongratulations to the district’s high school band students who qualified for the All-Area Band in

late November. Each of them has now earned the right to audition for the All-State Band on January12. All-State qualifiers will perform at San Antonio’s Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center inFebruary. Good luck to them!

From left, Devyn Richter (flute), Jennifer Labbe (clarinet) and Sarah Brashear (bassoon) fromSmithson Valley High, made All-District and All-Region before qualifying for All-Area Band. Theywill audition at New Braunfels High, Jan. 12.

These four Canyon High band members (l-r) Caleb Connor (trumpet), Tyler Neufer (French horn),Tommy Quill (tuba) and Nathan Streger qualified for the Area band in late November. They areranked in the top 10 percent of student musicians in the state. Neufer is a two-time Class 4A All-State band member, and Quill made the Class 4A All-State band last year.

Ten Canyon Lake High students qualified for All-Area Band at Navarro High School in lateNovember. They will next try out for the Class 3A All-State Band at Orange Grove High School.Pictured (back row, l-r) are Dustin Gonzales (clarinet), Treven Martinez (drums), Gentry Walker (clar-inet) and Jordan Smith (trumpet). (Front row) Thomas Butts (drums), Laura Richner (French horn),Elizabeth Duncan (flute) and Raceria Brietzke (clarinet). Not pictured: Erin Olsen and Ethan Grams.

CISD All-Area Band qualifiers

CHS Transportation Feeder Pattern Angel Tree

SVHS Transportation Feeder Pattern Angel Tree

CLHS Transportation Feeder Pattern Angel Tree

2013 EVENTS AROUND CAMPUSSpring Branch Middle School

Spaghetti Dinner FundraiserTuesday, January 29, 2013 (See Page xx)

Smithson Valley High School

Silver Spur Dance ClinicFriday, February 8, 2013 (See Page xx)

Spring Branch Middle School

Daddy/Daughter DanceFriday, February 8, 2013 (See Page xx)

2 - SchooLife - January 2013 Grade Speed Parent Connection

visit www.comalisd.org SchooLife - January 2013 - 3

Who says a dime can’t buy anything anymore?Students at Canyon Lake High raised more than $4,000 during a two-week period leading up to

the Thanksgiving break to help put holiday dinners on tables around the community.For every dime they donated, students were able to decorate a paper turkey feather and display it

outside CLHS classrooms.AP Social Studies and German teacher Charles Van Houten’s students raised the most money with

a combined total of more than $1,600.“I think it shows the great character our school has to be able to get together and achieve some-

thing like this,” CLHS student Kacee Vrana said. “It always makes you feel better knowing yourefforts can help others.”Pictured here with Van Houten are (l-r) students Nash Opperman, Amanda Holmes, Kacee Vrana

and Kristin Seiffert.

CLHS students raise more than $4,000,one dime at a time


Father surprises his daughters at Rahe BulverdeElementary after returning from Afghanistan

The last time Air Force Master Sergeant Stacy Sprowls returned from a tour in Iraq, his familysurprised him as soon as he walked off the homebound airplane.This time around Sprowls was the one who had the element of unawareness on his side.With his two daughters seated together in the Rahe Bulverde Elementary library working on a

project, Sprowls emerged from the background and gave Kaylee and Maykayla a big hug.The children hadn’t seen their father, who just completed a tour of Afghanistan, in almost a year.“I was aiming for this moment for a very long time,” Sprowls said. “I was glad I got to surprise

them this time.”Many other family members joined Sprowls in the reunion in the library, which included students

and staff members waving American flags.“This is awesome,” Sprowls said. “I couldn’t have imagined it would turn out any better. This is

going to be the best holiday ever.”Maykayla and Kaylee couldn’t stop smiling after their father presented them with two stuffed ani-

mals and a bear hug.“I didn’t expect this at all,” Maykayla said. “It’s like he came out of nowhere. I really like it when

he’s home. My dad being here is the best Christmas present I could get.”Pictured is Sprowls lifting Kaylee high in the air shortly after his arrival at Rahe Bulverde

Elementary. Also pictured is Sprowls catching up with his daughters Maykayla (left) and Kaylee afterreturning from his tour of Afghanistan.

(830) 438-7969

GREGCHANDLER

Many children will have ahappier holiday thanks to theefforts of the students and staffat Indian Springs ElementarySchool.More than 540 items ranging

from games like Monopoly andScrabble to boxes full of brandnew stuffed animals weredonated to Toys for Tots.On December 5, four mem-

bers of the U.S. Marines visitedthe school to pick up the boxesof toys.“Something like this brings

the community together,” saidMarine SSGT MichaelArmendariz, the San Antonioregional Toys for Tots coordina-tor. “To be able to give to the children who are less fortunate demonstrates compassion, and to seethese students take up this cause at such a young age is amazing. These gifts will go directly to chil-dren who wouldn’t have had a toy this holiday season.”Indian Springs Elementary student Alyssa Washerlesky said it wasn’t difficult to get momentum

going on campus for Toys for Tots.“We didn’t want to see anyone go without during the holidays,” Washerlesky said. “It makes us

so happy when we see the gifts we gathered being picked up by the Marines to be delivered to thekids who need them.”Indian Springs Elementary principal Marisa Wulfsberg said social networking helped the toy total

climb.“We sent it out on Facebook and through emails and the next thing we knew our school was being

flooded with Toys for Tots,” Wulfsberg said. “I think it’s phenomenal.” Pictured are Indian Springs Elementary students Sydney Drott (left) and Alyssa Washerlesky

handing Toys for Tots gifts to Marine Lance Corporal Emmanuel Gonzalez.

Indian Springs Elementary collects morethan 540 Toys for Tots

Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Phillips was in Afghanistan Dec.10, not knowing exactly when he’d return home for the holidays.He got word he would board a plane later that day, and by the

afternoon of Wednesday, December 12, he was standing insideKinder Ranch Elementary School.The reunion that soon followed was three times as nice for

Phillips.As the Kinder Ranch Elementary kindergarten students were

gathered in the main hallway, principal Dr. Judy Murray askedtriplets Cadence, Taylor and Madison what they wanted most forthe holiday season.“For daddy to come home,” the girls said nearly in unison.About that time, Murray pointed down the hallway and

Timothy Phillips was walking toward his daughters.“Daddy,” they all screamed as the triplets ran and jumped into

his arms.“I have three beautiful girls and a beautiful wife and we’re all

together again,” Phillips said. “This is truly a blessing.”It was the first time his family had seen him since Phillips deployed six months ago.“I’ll tell you what, I can’t believe he’s home,” said Tana Phillips, Timothy’s wife. “No words can describe this. He was only gone six months, but he

missed the girls first day of kindergarten, their sixth birthday, and Thanksgiving. It’s wonderful we’re all going to be together for Christmas.”


KRES triplets celebrate dad’s

return from Afghanistan

Four Smithson Valley High students made the All-Region choir. One of those students, MichaelNichelson, qualified for the All-Area choir and earnedthe right to try out for the All-State choir in SanAntonio in January. Ellen Perkins was named firstalternate for the All-Area band.Pictured (l-r) are the SVHS students who made the

All-Region choir: Nichelson, Perkins, Hannah Freundand Blaire McLeod.

Four SVHS studentsmake All-Region choir,one qualifies for All-Area

William Wood was FreiheitElementary’s Superintendent’s Student of theMonth for 1st grade in October. His teacher,Kathryn Brietzke, is pictured here with him.Students chosen for this honor must attendschool regularly, get along well with their peers,and strive to always do their best. William metall of the criteria, making his parents and grand-parents extremely proud!

Wood is namedStudent of the Month

From left, Cadence, Taylor and Madison Phillips are happy triplets as the kindergarten stu-dents were surprised by their father, Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Phillips, during a homecomingceremony on December 12 at Kinder Ranch Elementary.


SchooLife is published in partnership with the Comal IndependentSchool District. The monthly publication, which focuses on Comal ISD students, staff and community, is designed to increase communicationbetween district schools and parents. The opinions, statements, andclaims expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the dis-trict or its officials. Comal Independent School District does not dis-criminate on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin,or disability in providing education services, activities or programs. It isthe intent and policy of this District to conduct its activities in compli-ance with all Federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination on thebasis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin or disability.

P.O. Box 436Bulverde, TX 78163Ph: (210) 478-9014

[email protected]

E-mail photos and stories to: [email protected] or [email protected]

For advertising rates and information, contact Bill Holland at 210-478-9014The deadline is the 10th of each month for information to be included in the following month’s publication.

SchooLife is published the first of each month and is available FREE to parents of students attending schoolsin the Comal Independent School District. A complimentary copy of the paper is sent home the

beginning of each month in the backpacks of students in grades K-5. Additional copies are available inschool offices and various locations throughout the communities.

All creative concepts, designs, and layout for all advertisements are the sole property ofSchooLife and may not be reproduced in any other publication without prior approval.

Publisher.....Bill HollandEditor.....Wendy Holland

Designer.....John RodriguezComal ISD Communications Director

Julie JeromeComal ISD Communications Coordinator

Jason Gordon

Advertising/SalesKathy Smith (210) 601-4836

[email protected]

GradeSpeed Parent Connection. Visit www.comalisd.org

DISTRICT NEWS BRIEFSWhile many of us con-

tinue to grapple with theunbelievable act at SandyHook Elementary in mid-December, I would like tomake clear two veryimportant points.First, your involvement

is paramount. Parentalrelationships with their

children’s campuses are critical in times likethis. We enjoy a number of partnerships withlocal organizations and businesses. Thisinvolvement is the lifeblood of the school. Wedo not want our schools to become places ofexclusion. I believe our schools are the center-piece of what binds us together as a community.Second, safety at each of our campuses

remains our highest priority. We continue to workwith local law enforcement to review our securitysystems, safety elements, drilling practices, emer-gency response plans and communications plansat every campus on an ongoing basis.We will make no apologies when it comes

to implementing systems assuring the safety ofour students.

We ask that you:

• Make sure your phone numbers and emailaddresses are up to date at the school orschools your children attend. Please, alsoalways keep your emergency contact list updat-ed, in case someone other than a parent needsto pick a child up if they are sick or there is anemergency situation.

• Please also always check into the frontoffice when you enter any Comal ISD school.The Raptor Security System is in place tomake sure we know who is on every one ofour campuses and where they should be.

So, regarding safety and community involve-ment, we welcome all suggestions. We will takeeach one into consideration. While I do notknow of any one single action/device that couldhave prevented such a tragedy in Newtown,Conn., we will look and review all possibilities.

Welcome to 2013!

Here’s to a healthy,

safe and Happy New Year!

From the Superintendent

Bond refunding nets $29.9 million savings

A Comal ISD bond refunding that closed on Dec. 11presented a net present value savings of $30 million. Thelead underwriter on the sale, Morgan Keegan of RaymondJames, said his firm had never closed a sale with net pres-ent value savings so large.

Debra George, Comal ISD chief financial officer,applauded SAMCO Capital Markets and Keegan for pre-marketing the sale and “bringing it together.”

Underlying ratings for the bonds were Double A(Fitch) and Aa2 (Moody’s). Enhanced ratings were AAA(Fitch and Moody’s).

“The bonding agencies pointed to strong financialmanagement, conservative budgeting and a stable andexpanding local economy,” George said. “Ratings areextremely important to getting a better interest rate. Thisnet value savings of nearly 19 percent shows that veryclearly.”

In September, the school board authorized the refund-ing of bonds totaling $158 million from four of the dis-trict’s 13 bond issues. The refunding produces an estimat-ed annual interest savings of approximately $1.5 million,the equivalent of 1.5 cents on the tax rate.

SVHS teacher receives $500 scholarship

Christopher Nisley of Smithson Valley High Schoolhas been awarded a $500 scholarship by Firstmark CreditUnion as part of the 10th Annual Educator’s Award pro-gram. Designed with full-time educators of kindergartenthrough 12th grades in mind, Firstmark Credit Unionawarded 10 scholarships of $500 to each educator. Nisleyintends to use his award toward equipment for his graphicdesign class.

“Firstmark Credit Union was founded by members ofthe educational community. This scholarship is one ofmany ways that we support the community,” says LeonEwing, president/CEO of Firstmark. “The Credit Unionwould not be where it is today without educators.”

The scholarship program was open to public schooland private school educators. Through the application,educators were asked to explain how they would use thescholarship funds and what impact the award would haveon their students and in their classrooms.

ComalCares campaign emphasizes customer service

Exemplary customer service is the goal for the newcampaign, ComalCares, which rolled out in Decemberdistrict wide. CARES stands for the cornerstones of thedistrict’s customer service program—Communication,Attitude, Respect, Empathy and Service.

A philosophy and definition mark the beginning of thecampaign, which will eventually include an online parentsurvey, a place at every campus to deposit “How are wedoing?” feedback cards, a designated email address forinput from parents, staff and community, and recognitionfor employees who go above and beyond the call of duty(ABCD) to deliver great customer service.

“Comal ISD employees do a great job deliveringexemplary customer service everyday,” said KariHutchison, assistant superintendent for administrativeservices. “The ComalCares campaign is a focused effortto address and meet the needs of our customers to thevery best of our abilities and to recognize our employeeswho regularly go above and beyond.”

The Comal ISD definition of customer service: taking

the opportunity to turn any situation into a personal, pos-

itive experience and the program’s philosophy will beginto appear on posters at every campus to remind staff andparents of the importance of customer service.

According to the philosophy, We Will:• Treat all people with courtesy, dignity and respect• Practice open, honest, two-way communication• Base all decisions on what is best for students• Take ownership for providing the best service possible• Respond to phone calls and emails within 24 hours.• Listen to all concerns.“This philosophy is an expectation of every one of our

employees, from the front lines to the classroom teachersto the bus drivers,” Hutchison said. “We will be phasing instaff development, as well as an organizational health sur-vey district wide during the school year.”

A parent survey, which will be introduced in January2013, will be the next step, she said. All informationabout the district’s ComalCares program is posted on thedistrict website, www.comalisd.org.

CISD adds Waste-to-Energy program

Comal ISD has added a Waste-to-Energy programoffered by AFS, a major supplier of air filtration productsand services. This program allows the district to disposeof the tens of thousands of used filters in an environmen-tally friendly way rather than sending them to a landfill.

AFS compresses and bales filters that are then taken toa facility that burns the material converting it to energy.At this facility, waste is combusted at a very high temper-ature, creating steam that turns turbines to generate elec-tricity. Every 2,000 pounds of waste will generate 520kilowatt hours of power.

This initiative is forecast to reduce Comal ISD’s filtercontribution to area landfills by 7,500 pounds, reducegreenhouse gas emissions and generate a reliable supplyof clean affordable energy.

The EPA has stated that waste-to-energy plants are a“clean, reliable, renewable source of energy” that “produceselectricity with less environmental impact than almost anyother source of electricity. For every ton of waste processedin a Waste-to-Energy facility, we avoid the need to importone barrel of oil or mine one quarter ton of coal. Almost oneton of greenhouse gas is avoided.”

“As a result of this process, in addition to havingcleaner indoor air with our filters, Comal ISD is helpingto keep the earth clean,” said David Springer, Comal ISDdirector of maintenance.

SACC is hiring enthusiastic individuals

The Comal ISD School Age Child Care is hiringenthusiastic individuals for Arlon Seay, Johnson Ranch,Kinder Ranch, Specht and Timberwood Park elementaryschools. Applicants must be 17 years or older and able towork Monday through Friday from 2:15-6:15 p.m.Starting pay is $8 per hour. To fill out an application,please go to:http://www.comalisd.org/human_resources/Employment_Opportunities/Online_Application.asp. If you have anyquestions, please contact Daniel Mendez, 830.221.2176,or [email protected].

Recipe for Reach offers ways to stay connected

There are a number of ways to stay connected to yourchild’s campus for updates on campus news and events,and to stay informed of district news. Here are some ofthe most effective:

• www.comalisd.org. One of the blue tabs at the top ofthe page lists “Schools.” Select your child’s campus andkeep up to date on calendars, news, events and principal’scommunication. All district news is posted on the web-page.

• “Like” us on Facebook. Each campus and the districthave Facebook pages where news and events are postedfrequently.

• Sign up for email blasts from your child’s campus.Go to www.comalisd.org, click on the Contact Us tab andselect Subscribe to Hot News. For district news, click onComalShares button on the homepage. Community mem-bers, district partners and area businesses are encouragedto sign up for email blasts to keep informed of district andcampus activities.

• Online calendar. Go to www.comalisd.org and clickon the Calendars tab. You will see academic, testing, ath-letic calendars as well as campus events.

“Emergency notification and ‘need-to-know’ emails arecommunicated through the district’s automated notifica-tion system, SchoolMessenger,” said Julie Jerome, direc-tor of communications for Comal ISD. “The database fornotification is the student registration card. It is criticalthat our campuses have updated, accurate information foreach student. This means the parents’ phone numbers andemail addresses.”

SchoolMessenger also has an option for texting.Parents must opt in to receive information via text. Forinstructions on opting in, please contact Jerome [email protected].

“When our parents and community are informed,everyone benefits,” Jerome said. “Our principals knowthis and they are doing an excellent job communicatingwith parents and the community. Our continued work is toimprove the databases from which we send out our infor-mation.”

Advancement requirements announced for 8th grade

Eighth grade students statewide must meet the passingstandard on STAAR in reading and math to be promotedto grade 9. These grade advancement requirements are theproduct of the Texas Student Success Initiative (SSI),which was amended by the Texas Legislature in 2011.

“The purpose of this initiative is to ensure that everystudent makes the academic progress necessary to show asufficient understanding of the knowledge and skillstaught and tested at each grade level,” said Karen Shah,director of accountability and research for Comal ISD.

The testing requirements are part of an overall systemof support for student academic achievement. The systemincludes:

• Evaluation of student needs at grades that precedeSSI grades and academic support for students who needadditional instruction;

• Ongoing evaluation of student progress during theschool year for SSI grades (grades 5 and 8) with assis-tance provided to all students with identified academicweaknesses;

• Three STAAR testing opportunities; • Additional instruction after each test administration

for students who do not meet the passing standard on asubject-area test;

• A grade placement committee, consisting of the prin-cipal, teacher, and parent or guardian, which meets whena student has not met the passing standard after two test-ing opportunities to determine the most effective way tosupport the child’s academic success; and

• An instructional plan for every student who has notmet the passing standard after three opportunities, regard-less of whether the student is retained or, upon parentappeal, is promoted by the grade placement committee.

For more information, please contact your child’s cam-pus.

Andrew Kim

Now Hiring: BUS DRIVERSEasy application process online at www.comalisd.org

The horrific tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut has had a dramatic effecton every school and every community in the country. Comal ISD is threecommunities—New Braunfels, Canyon Lake and northern Bexar County—each very similar in size, in personality and in values to Newtown. Ourhearts go out to those who lost loved ones in the incident. As parents, wecannot fathom the grief they must be experiencing.As a community, we must come to grips with this monumental loss and

the impact it has had on all of us. We must recognize that our schoolsremain safe places for our children. It is important that we acknowledge that this was a shooting,which happened to occur at a school.Along with every school district in the country, our campuses remain diligent about drills and

emergency response plans. Our teachers and staff are trained to respond to incidents of all kinds, beit weather, threatening phone calls or true incidents. For each campus, drilling and preparation areour most effective guard against threats.Also, our partnership with our law enforcement community—Comal County Sheriff’s Office,

New Braunfels Police Department and the neighboring communities’ police, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel—has served us and will continue to serve uswell in times of threats to our safety.As a school and human community, we have experienced a loss of innocence; we are forever

changed. But I remain hopeful. As the stories unfolded about the heroic acts by teachers and cam-pus administrators, I am reminded of the work and the calling of our teachers. With time, and sen-sitivity to the fact that something this tragic affects each of us differently, we will heal. Our teach-ers and staff return for the spring semester of 2013 with resolve to make each school a safe placewhere learning occurs. As parents and a school community, I invite you to join us in this veryimportant endeavor.

SchooLife - January 2013 - 7visit www.comalisd.org

• Vaccinations • Dentistry • Spay/Neuter• Geriatrics • Nutrition • General Surgery

• Pharmacy • Boarding • Grooming• In-House Lab & X-Rays • Flea Control

830-438-720029760 U.S. Hwy. 281 N. • Bulverdewww.bulverdeanimalhospital.com

“Caring for pets is what we do; it’s as simple as that. In fact, I can’t thinkof anything I’d rather do. I think it comes through in the care we give.”

Kirk S. Kothmann, DVM

Offering A Wide Range Of ServicesFor Your Pet:

Message from theSchool Board President

David Drastata

Church Hill Middle School student Joshua Berkobien doesn’t get the Monday blues – in fact hewishes every day was Monday.That’s when his STAR (Specialized Training in Athletics and Recreation) team heads to bowling

practice every week.“Joshua asks me every day, ‘Is it Monday, is it Monday?’ said Amy Berkobien, Joshua’s mother.

“He knows that’s bowling day.”More than 100 students from eight middle and high schools participated in Comal ISD’s STAR

Sports Program Bowling Competition at Fiesta Lanes in New Braunfels on Oct. 22.The competition is the highlight of the fall sports season for STAR athletes. Every single athlete

who participated received a medal. Members of the New Braunfels Fire Department placed themedals around the necks of the students.“This really brings families and kids together,” Amy Berkobien said. “It lets you know you’re not

alone. It gives our kids something to participate in where they feel like they are the superstars.”Nearly 50 volunteers, including students from Smithson Valley and Canyon high schools, helped

make the event possible.“We couldn’t have done this without our volunteers,” said Terry Werchan, coordinator of Comal

ISD’s STAR Sports Program. “I think everybody involved went home with a smile on their face.”STAR athletes will celebrate their bowling victories at the Winter Dance at Smithson Valley High

School on Dec. 7.“This is wonderful,” said Jackie Logan, whose son J.J. is a STAR

athlete. “We have so much fun and we get so much support. We’relucky to have such a great pro-gram in our school district.”Track and field practice will

begin in early April. The STARsports season culminates with atrack and field meet at CanyonLake High near the end of theschool year.

Comal ISD STAR athletic program bowlsanother strike

Commissioner of Education Michael L. Williamsannounced that he is deferring implementation of the 15percent grading requirement for the 2012-13 school year.Under the rule connected to the State of TexasAssessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course examinations, a student’s score on the STAARend-of-course exams would count as 15 percent of thestudent’s final grade in each tested subject area.

Williams received letters from Gov. Rick Perry, Lt.Gov. David Dewhurst and Senate EducationCommittee Chair Dan Patrick urging deferral of the 15percent rule. All three noted the rule would be dis-cussed during the upcoming legislative session.

“Deferring the 15 percent rule for this school yearrelieves some of the pressure being felt in Texas districtsas we continue the transition to a more rigorous accounta-bility system,” Williams said. “The deferral also allows theTexas Legislature ample opportunity to address the vari-ous issues and concerns that have been expressed aboutimplementation of the new system.”

“The deferment allows school districts to trulymake decisions in the best interest of students,” saidAnnette Villerot, assistant superintendent for academ-ics and student services. “Unfortunately, the mandatedidn’t look at the applications from every angle.”

Williams’ decision marks the second year the rulehas been deferred. In the 2011-12 school year, morethan 1,100 districts, including Comal ISD, notifiedTEA they would be deferring the rule. Local districtshave the option to move forward in utilizing the 15percent rule should they choose.

In October, the Comal ISD board of trustees heardtwo changes to the district’s grading guidelines toaccommodate STAAR. The district deferred any policychanges in the case any modification like this one wereto occur. More information about the STAAR and end-of-course exams is available on the home page of thedistrict website, www.comalisd.org, under the“Curriculum and Academics” button.

State’s 15 percent grading policy deferred again

Pictured is New Braunfels firefighterJohn Barnhill presenting Church HillMiddle STAR bowler Kevin O’Neilwith his medal; a Smithson ValleyHigh student volunteer helpingMountain Valley Middle STAR ath-lete J.J. Logan aim for a strike; andCanyon High student volunteer RyanVeidt watching to see just how manypins a Church Hill Middle SchoolSTAR bowler will knock down.


Age: 14

School: Spring Branch Middle School

Favorite Subject: Art

Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Hobson SpeechTeacher

Hobbies: Love To Draw, Play Basketball &Soccer, Listen to music

Accomplishments:

ARE TO RESIST DRUGS AND VIOLENCE,Perfect Attendance AWARD, Selected A/BHonor Roll, Several Times selected student ofthe month. His great recognitions bring joy andproudness not only to his parents but to hisolder brother Raul Jr. “I never knew my olderbrother would be on top of me checking mygrades and attendance everyday more than myparents my parent’s do." says Ricardo

Volunteer experience: Telethon USA a program that’s raises money forchildren with cancer and other disabilities the money helps pay their treat-ment and find more research for their cures. I got in involved by my brotherRaul who was the first one to say" I want to volunteer who else wants tojoin" We both gathered $ 180 total for a great cause.

Goals: Be an excellent student make the best of my school days. Biggestgoal is to attend to college which one it still remains a mystery. Most admiredperson and why: My parents they set a great example for me they alwayshave helped me reach my goals and desires. They both play a big role in mylife and education.

List one adjective one adult would use to describe you: To tall!!!And skinny in a good way

What are you most thankful for? : Having my 19 year brother free fromhis Leukemia cancer he is a great fighter in life. Its a blessing to have himwith us today and being able to watch him reach his goals. He proudly rep-resents his school Smithson Valley High every day doing service projectsfor his school and whole Bulverde community. His warm smile and friend-liness is something that I admire from him. He is a role model to me andfor everyone else. I’m thankful that his my brother and I thank the goodLord for blessing me to have a wonderful brother and a warm loving fami-ly the most important need in my life.

Ferris Orthodontics picks their Patient of the Month(s) based on patients who have exhibited excellent coopera-

tion, enthusiasm, respect and a great attitude throughout treatment. In addition, these are children who exemplify

good community involvement and leadership qualities.

Pictured at top, Ricardo is pic-

tured here with Dr. Megan

Hembree. Below, Ricardo chillin’

out at the lake.

Mark your calendars now for the “Be My Valentine” Daddy/Daughter Dance on Friday, Feb. 8from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presented by the Spring Branch Middle School Silver Stars Dance Team, thedance is for girls in Kinder through 8th grade, and will be held in the school’s cafeteria. The nightwill include snacks and drinks, $5 pictures, and plenty of great music for dancing. Cost is $20 percute couple (2 daughters or more, add $5). For more information, please call Maria Klaus at (210)842-5103 or email [email protected]. You may pay at the door that evening.

SBMS Daddy/Daughter Dance coming Feb. 8

These five Oak Creek Elementary students were recently named Superintendent’s Students of theMonth for November. Chosen by school staff, the intent of the program is to recognize students whoattend school regularly, get along with peers, and strive to do their best. This month, the followingstudents shined in those areas:Top Row: Janet Levine (Principal), Andrew Sundberg, Carmen Briles, David Saldivar, Lori McDonald

(Asst. Principal); Bottom Row: Isabella Holt and Shelby Owens. Congratulations to all of them!

OCES recognizes Superintendent’s Studentsof the Month for November

SchooLife - January 2013 - 9visit www.comalisd.org

The Spring BranchMiddle School WranglerBand will hold its 11th annu-al Spaghetti DinnerFundraiser on Tuesday,January 29, from 5:30 to 8p.m. in the school cafeteria,21053 Highway 46 West.Last year’s event was attend-ed by almost 1,000 peopleand raised more than $8,000for the band.Money from the fundrais-

er goes directly to the bandfor purchasing new instru-ments, maintenance of exist-ing instruments, privateinstruction for band students, supplies and materials, registration and fees for yearly competitions andfor the band’s annual trip to Dallas each May for the Lone Star Showcase of Music competition.There are 262 students in the 20l2-2013 Wrangler Band. All the various sections including trum-

pets, alto sax, French horns, clarinets, percussion and low brass as well as the special bands - concert,wind ensemble, advanced percussion and symphonic- will perform at the fundraiser.A variety of silent auction items will also be up for bid. Auction items secured to date include

Valero gift cards and gift cards from various local businesses with more to come.“This is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said SBMS Band Director Cody Richardson. “It’s an

evening filled with good food and fun, a great silent auction, and a showcase of the outstandingmusical talent of our students. And all of the money goes directly to our programs that support thestudents.”An entree of spaghetti with meat sauce will be served along with salad, garlic bread, dessert and

choice of iced tea or lemonade. Tickets are $6 per plate and can be purchased in advance or at thedoor. All are welcomed to dine in or take out. Drive-thru pickup service will be available.Any unopened, packaged food items not used at the dinner will be donated to the Bulverde Food

Pantry. Unsold prepared dinners will be donated to the Bulverde Senior Citizen Center.To purchase tickets or make a donation to the SBMS Band, contact Cody Richardson at (830)

885-8871 or [email protected].

JR. SILVER SPUR DANCE CLINIC, FEB. 8The Smithson Valley High School Silver Spur Dance Team hopes you can join them for an evening ofdancing and fun! They will be hosting their annual Dance Clinic & Basketball Performance on Friday,

Feb. 8. Check-in starts at 4:15 p.m. The Clinic begins at 4:30 p.m. in the SVHS cafeteria. The per-formance will be in the main gym. The participants will be escorted to the game for their performance.

Anyone that is interested needs to fill out a registration form and mail it with a $25 check to:Mildred Chambers, 5371 Fallen Oak Drive, Bulverde, TX 78163.

Make checks payable to: Silver Spur Booster Club.

The cost includes a T-shirt, pizza, drink and admission to the Rangers varsity basketball game. Thegame starts at 7 p.m. and all will perform at halftime (approximately 7:30-7:45 p.m.). Please pick

your child up promptly after the performance.

Spectators will need to purchase a ticket at the door.

The registration and fee must be received by Friday, Jan. 31 in order to guarantee a T-shirt.

For more information, please email: [email protected].

11th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser tobenefit SBMS band Spring Branch Middle students performed “Seussical Junior” on Nov. 20.

The musical, by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, is based on the books of Dr. Seuss anddebuted on Broadway in 2000. Nearly 150 SBMS students performed in the musical.The story is a complex compilation of many of Dr. Seuss’s most famous books in an exciting,

adventurous and heart-warming tale. It has become a favorite for school, community and regionaltheatres.The SBMS performance

was directed by theaterteacher Belinda Maddox.The vocal director was choirteacher Jennifer West.Pictured here are SBMS

students (l-r) KatelinRutherford (Cat in the Hat),Hannah Presley, (Mayzie)and Evan Maddox (Hortonthe Elephant).Also pictured are “bird

girls” Hannah Crow,Madelyn Mulder and DeniseEmerson, and Anjelica Rios(Sour Kangaroo).

SBMS students perform Seussical Junior


The Canyon Lake High First Class Ballroom Dancers will be performing at the San Antonio Rampage’sJanuary 4 hockey game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. The game against Peoria begins at 7:30 p.m., andthe CLHS dancers will perform during the first intermission. For ticket information, please [email protected] or call 210-444-5618. Email Suzanne Schule, CLHS Dance Director, if you have anyquestions at [email protected] are the 2012-13 CLHS First Class Ballroom Dancers: Jordan Anderson, Kayla Boles, Kylie Brennan,

Fran Carle, Baylee Carleton, Cindy Cody, Casey Coffee, Weston Dicks, Megan Eskridge, Julie Estes, Taylor Irby,Cala Kelly, Bri Lopez, Madison McDonough, Kassie Nielsen, Josh Patterson, Chrsitian Payne, Hayden Pike,Luke Saenz, Mikey Sheffield, along with Dance Team captains Tammy Dean, Katie Marple, Branson Belcherand Chandler Faulkner. (Photo by Sam Roberts Photography).

CLHS Ballroom Dancers to perform at Rampagegame


Several members of the NewBraunfels Fire Department visit-ed Morningside Elementary onOct. 18.The students were treated to a

performance by the “NewBraunfels Firefighters Pipes &Drums” group, a band of drum-mers and bagpipe players, whichperform at local parades and cer-emonies, and at funerals when afirefighter is killed in the line ofduty.In addition, students were

able to sit in the cab of a NewBraunfels fire truck. An ambu-lance was also on display as alearning tool for MorningsideElementary students.It was all part of New

Braunfels’ Fire Safety Month.“It’s always nice to be able to

talk to the younger students aboutsafety measures like getting theirparents to check fire detectorsonce a month and to never playwith matches or lighters,” saidNBFD Lt. Jesse Martinez. “Achance to teach kids lessons at ayoung age is invaluable.Establishing a positive relation-ship early on also gives us a chance to let the students know they can always approach us if they everneed help.”Pictured in the “New Braunfels Firefighters Pipes & Drums” group are New Braunfels Fire

Department members (bagpipe players) Adam Mueller, Josh Baker, Lee Barker and Nathan Dekens,(drummers) Jesse Martinez, Matt Wolfe and Randy Diaz. Also pictured in front of a NBFD truck are(l-r) Robert Johnson, Adyson Graves, Andre Alvarado and Jesse Martinez.

New Braunfels FD makes an impact withstudents at MES


QuestionWhen is the best time to begin orthodontic

treatment? This is a question that is often askedof us by parents, especially as they see otheryoung children in orthodontic appliances. Ourspecialty training in orthodontics at BaylorCollege of Dentistry placed emphasis both onearly treatment (6-10 years old) as well as treat-ment occurring later when all of the permanentteeth are present.

AnswerWe have been fortunate to have had the

opportunity to treat numerous patients with bothtechniques and then review them in the areas offinished results, cost, duration of treatment,number of appointments and loose appliances,percentage of patients who require extractions,and cooperation and patient motivation/enthusi-asm. Combining this information with recentstudies from the University of North Carolina,and new wire and appliance technology, wehave concluded that for the vast majority(approximately 80%) of young patients, it is bestto delay treatment until most, if not all, of thepermanent teeth are in the mouth.

ReasonsThe five major advantages and benefits of

delaying orthodontic treatment:1) Decreased time in braces and fewer

appointments, which results in:a. Lower risk of cavities and root shorteningb. Less time absent from school for the kids

or work for the parentsc. Less opportunity for orthodontic

emergencies

2) Bone growth is occurring more rapidlyduring the adolescent years (12-14 years old),increasing treatment effectiveness.3) Understanding and cooperation are

enhanced when a child is more mature.Individuals spend less time in treatment and arenot as prone to “burn out” from being in bracesso long.4) Completing treatment in one phase is

less costly than a prolonged two-phase treat-ment.5) More stable resultsThe optimal time to realize these benefits

will vary with each individual child, but formost children it is usually between the ages of11 and 14 years of age. Orthodontic treatmentstarted during this window of opportunity willusually result in braces being on for 18 to 24months instead of 3 to 4 years or more.

Exceptions

There are a few orthodontic conditions thatdo warrant a brief period of early treatment.These include:1) Cross-bites that cause the lower jaw to

shift.2) Severe jaw imbalances (such as an upper

jaw that is too far back)3) Space maintenance for early loss of pri-

mary (baby) teeth or tooth impactions4) Excessive crowding causing damage to

teeth, bone, and/or gums5) Teeth that are at risk of fracture by being

too far forward

Additionally, if a young patient is sufferingpsychologically or socially from crooked upperfront teeth or has speech issues secondary to abad relationship of the teeth, a brief period ofpartial braces can improve both the smile andself-image dramatically. Though braces willtypically still be needed when all the permanentteeth erupt, we do feel that this is a valid treat-ment indication for some children.The timing of orthodontic treatment is an

important issue that can make orthodonticseither a rewarding and enjoyable experience orone that is prolonged and tedious. Our observa-tion program is set up to allow us to evaluate thepatient’s dental and overall development on aregular basis. These regular observation visits

allow us to begin orthodontic therapy at themost appropriate and efficient time for growingchildren.We hope this information has given you a

better understanding of our practice and a posi-tive introduction to orthodontics. Sometimeswaiting to start is the best “treatment.” Pleasefeel free to contact our office if we can assistyou with any questions you may have.

Ferris Orthodontics is located at 172

Creekside Park, suite 113 in Bulverde. Call the

Ferris Orthodontics team at (830) 438-7250.

Their #1 goal is to provide quality orthodontic

care with exceptional patient service.

Timing is everything in orthodontic treatment

Smithson Valley Highfreshman, Isaiah, getshis braces off by ortho-dontist, Dr. Tyler Ferris,and dental tech LisaBates. After completinghis months-long treat-ment, Isaiah received agreat Christmas pres-ent, straight teeth and abeautiful smile!


If you or someone you care about is suffering from debilitating back pain, a revolutionary new treatment just

may be the answer you’ve been looking for. In the past, once initial care options such as pain medication, chiro-

practic care, and physical therapies had been exhausted, the only alternative was spinal surgery. Now, with the

introduction of Spinal Decompression Therapy, patients can experience remarkable relief from back pain without

the risk, expense, or recovery time associated with spinal surgery.

Moderate to severe back pain is often times a result of disc degeneration, herniation, or bulging, as well as

pinched nerves. Spinal Decompression Therapy is a safe, non-invasive answer for disc-related syndromes. Using

advanced, FDA-approved technology, this therapy gently distracts the spine, taking pressure off the discs and

joints, and enhances the natural healing process by improving blood flow and nutrients into the injured area.

Conditions such as Sciatica, Chronic Low Back Pain, Bulging or Herniated Discs, Spinal Stenosis, Facet

Syndrome, and Failed Back Surgery can all be treated utilizing this innovative approach. In fact, one clini-

cal study showed Spinal Decompression Therapy to be 86% effective in treating herniated discs and degen-

erative discs.

Spinal Decompression Therapy is revolutionizing the treatment of back pain. In the Journal of Neurological

Research VOL. 23, NO. 7, October 2001 issue, researchers stated that “For any given patient with low back and

referred leg pain, we cannot predict with certainty which cause has assumed primacy. Therefore surgery, by being

directed at root decompression at the site of the herniation alone, may not be effective if secondary causes of pain

have become predominant. Decompression therapy, however, addresses both primary and secondary causes of

low back and referred leg pain. We thus submit that Decompression therapy should be considered first, before the

patient undergoes a surgical procedure which permanently alters the anatomy and function of the affected lumbar

spine segment.”

Always seeking to provide the utmost in progressive care, Hahn Chiropractic & Wellness Centers, P.C. has

added Spinal Decompression Therapy to its facility located on Hwy. 281 North. Specifically, the clinic is utiliz-

ing one of the most advanced spinal decompression tables on the market, the SpineMed, which incorporates a

modern pelvic restraint system that increases the efficiency of the application of force to the patient’s spine, mak-

ing it more comfortable and suitable for a broader spectrum of patients than decompression tables that use a trac-

tion box, pulleys, drums, ropes, and pelvic harnesses. Treatment sessions are usually about 30 minutes, during

which patients may view their progress on an LCD screen or entertain themselves while watching a DVD. The

treatment is safe and painless, and many patients experience tremendous relief in as little as 6-12 sessions.

One patient who has received Spinal Decompression Therapy at Hahn Chiropractic & Wellness Centers, P.C.

reports remarkable results: “A fall from a horse resulted in one compression fracture and ten bulging discs. Even

after the compression fracture stabilized, I wasn’t able to do anything other than try to find a comfortable, prone

position to minimize the pain. Every aspect of my life was detrimentally affected by my physical condition.

Surgery wasn’t an option for me but neither was living with greatly diminished quality of life. When I made the

decision to undergo spinal decompression, I was told not to expect results for at least three to four treatments, but

after my first treatment I broke into tears of relief because I felt so much better. Because of this treatment pro-

gram, I have been able to resume a normal life. For me, the effect that spinal decompression has had on my life

can be summed up in one word…miraculous!”

At a fraction of the cost of back surgery, Spinal Decompression Therapy is not only a safe, non-invasive

approach to treating disc-related syndromes, it is cost-effective. In an effort to ensure relief from debilitating

back pain is accessible to patients who need it, Hahn Chiropractic & Wellness Centers, P.C. is also now offering

Care Credit.

If you are suffering from neck pain, back pain or pain radiating down the leg, you owe it to yourself to look

into Spinal Decompression Therapy. If you would like more information, please call 830-980-2225 or check out

our website, www.hahnchiropractic.com. Dr. Jason Hahn, D.C., a 1994 graduate of Smithson Valley High School,

owns Hahn Chiropractic & Wellness Centers, a state-of-the-art facility in the Bulverde Ride Medical Business

Park on Hwy. 281 between 1863 and 46. After graduating from the Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, he

returned to his roots and opened his own practice in 2001.

Herniated disc? Spinal stenosis?Failed back surgery? A revolution in back pain relief


By Monica Bonugli

With the buzz in the community about bring-ing a new fitness facility out here, you’d thinkthis area was barren of health and fitnessoptions. Many of you know this is not the case.So I wonder, why do some folks think we need aYMCA or Gold’s Gym when we’re alreadyblessed with several wonderful, local businessesthat offer various exercise programs for everybody? If you think our Bulverde/Spring Branchcommunity is lacking these facilities, I encour-age you to venture down Hwy. 281 North, abouta mile past Hwy. 46. Down this way you’ll find a local, family-owned and operated Health Clubcalled Family Fitness.Family Fitness has been around for 16 years. We started across Hwy. 281 as Busy Bodies Fitness

Center in 1996. We quickly outgrew that location and moved across the highway to begin our expan-sion project. Many years later, we’re still committed to being the most versatile and affordable fitnesscenter in the area. Our main fitness building is full of weight machines, free weights, cardio equipment, locker

rooms/showers, sauna, and a tanning bed. Outside of this building you’ll meet “The Ape.” He wasput there by a crane before anything else was built, and symbolizes everyone’s ability to become a“Mental Giant:” perseverance in overcoming obstacles to make the most of your opportunities! Go up the ramp to enter Paul Haben’s Martial Arts Academy. Through a door on the right, you’ll

find our Class Studio. Stocked with mirrors, heavy bags, a wooden dance floor, exercise balls, yogamats, and hand weights, this is where all of our Boot Camp, Yoga, Zumba, and Body Sculpting class-es happen. If you’re not a member, you can participate in a group fitness class for just $5!Outside the Studio/Academy is our swimming pool and relaxation deck. The pool isn’t heated but

is maintained year-round. So enjoy the music, get a tan, or have a picnic on the deck! From hereyou’ll see The Perfect 10 Memorial Gym. This full-size basketball/volleyball court is available foruse by our members as well as hourly rentals for private lessons and team practices. Chances are, you’ve driven by and assumed we were just a dinky little building with a huge park-

ing lot! Well now you know, we are WAY MORE than that! So come see for yourself, and join thefamily at FAMILY FITNESS!

Family Fitness: more than just a gym

Grade Speed Parent Connection

Texas Physical Therapy Specialists (TexPTS)is pleased to announce the addition of TriggerPoint Dry Needling Treatment (TDN) services.The physical therapists at TexPTS receiveadvanced training to provide the most up-to-date, effective care for their patients. The TDNtreatment is now available in theBulverde/Spring Branch location.“We utilize TDN so that patients get better,

faster,” said Dr. Jon Sams, PT. “This allowspatients to get back to daily tasks quickly- work,athletics and the activities they love.”TDN is a treatment technique that utilizes a

very fine acupuncture needle to “shut down”painful or knotted areas in muscles. This causesthe muscles to briefly contract and then feelimmediate and long-lasting relaxation. TDN is aneffective and efficient method of releasing tensionand relieving pain, especially when used as a partof a manual physical therapy treatment approach.TDN is often confused with acupuncture.

TDN is a treatment that uses acupuncture nee-dles, but that is where the similarity to acupunc-ture stops. Acupuncture tends to be a moresuperficial treatment that focuses on restoringenergy or “Qi” to the body. It is thought thereare blockages that can be restored by properlyplacing needles along energy channels calledmeridians.TDN directly treats the neuromuscular sys-

tem affecting muscle tightness, joint mobility,and symptoms of pain and irritation. Clinicalnerve testing has shown spontaneous electrical

activity which causes the muscle to be dysfunc-tional at active trigger points can decreased or becompletely reduced with TDN. This release canimmediately improve range of motion, decreasepain, and improve function.During treatment, patients may feel a cramp-

ing sensation, but then feel immediate improve-ment of their symptoms. Emerging evidenceshows that TDN is effective for patients with thefollowing conditions:Common spinal conditions: Low back pain ,

Neck pain , Piriformis syndrome , Cervicogenicheadaches , Sciatica and Disk related painCommon lower extremity conditions: Patellar

Femoral Syndrome , Patellar tendonitis ,Hamstring Strain , Groin Strain , Shin-splintsand Achilles tendinopathiesCommon upper extremity conditions: Tennis

Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Shoulder Impingementsyndrome andRotator cuff syndromesTexPTS was voted the “Best Private Physical

Therapy Practice in the U.S.” in 2009 by theirpeers in the American Physical TherapyAssociation. For more information, visit their web-site at TexPTS.com or find them on Facebook.

New treatment technique added to TexPTS repertoire

16 - SchooLife - January 2013

2nd – 4th-Canyon Lake High, Cheerleader Competition Practice, Cafeteria, 9 am

7th Welcome Back – Happy New Year 2013!-Comal ISD 3rd Nine Weeks Begins-Canyon Lake High, UIL Band Rehearsal, Auditorium, 4 pm

8th Smithson Valley High, FFA Booster Club Meeting, Cafeteria/Library, 6 pm

9th -Indian Springs Elem., Class Picture Day-Canyon Middle, Student Council Meeting, Room 305, 8 am-Timberwood Park Elem., Student Council Meeting, 3 pm-Canyon Middle, Electives Fair, 6 pm-Smithson Valley High, Silver Spurs BoosterClub Meeting, Cafeteria Board Meeting, 6 pmGeneral Membership Meeting, 7 pm

10th -Timberwood Park Elem., College Spirit Day-Smithson Valley High, Financial Aid Night,Library, 6:30 pm

11th -Comal ISD Report CardsElementary will be given to students to take homeSecondary will be mailed-ACT Test Registration Ends-Canyon Lake High, Parent Resource Centerpresents Deputy Pastrano, Library, 8:30 am

12th -Smithson Valley High, FFA Chapter Show,Comal County Fairgrounds, 7 am-Canyon Lake High, Parent Resource Centerpresents Advanced MS WordWorkshop by Nancy Hartman, Library, 9 am-Smithson Valley High, Football Dinner andBanquet, Cafeteria/Theatre, 5 pm

11th – 13th-Canyon Lake High, Cheerleader Competition 2013 NCA Nationals, in Dallas

14th – 18th-Smithson Valley High, Course Selection Counselor to visit Classrooms

14th Canyon Lake High, UIL Band Rehearsal, Auditorium, 4 pm

15th -Church Hill Middle, NJHS meeting, 7:50 am -Indian Springs Elem., PTA Meeting and 5thgrade Wax Museum, 6 pm-Startzville Elem., 1st Grade Project Night-Ocean Animals, 6:30 pm

15th & 16thCanyon Lake High, Initial Senior Class orders Herff Jones

16th -Goodwin Frazier Elem., Group Picture Day-Morningside Elem., Class Group Picture Day-Canyon Middle, Student Council Meeting, Choir Room, 8 am

17th Smithson Valley High, Curriculum Fair, Cafeteria, Auditorium and Sr. Dining Hall, 6:30 pm

18th Smithson Valley High, Silver Spurs Perform–Halftime of the Spurs Game, AT&T Center, 7:30 pm

18th & 19thSmithson Valley High, Region Band Clinic/Concert, at Steele High

20th Inauguration Day

21st-Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday Observance Day-Comal ISD Student Holiday/Staff In-Service Day-Canyon Lake High, UIL Band Rehearsal, Auditorium, 4 pm

22nd Indian Springs Elem., Family Technology Night, 6 pm

22nd – 25thSix week Assessment for Grades 1st – 5th

23rd Canyon Middle, Student Council Meeting, Room 305, 8 am

24th Comal ISD Board Meeting, Support Services Bldg., 6 pm

25th -Rahe Bulverde Elem., Rahe Rahe Rally, 7 am-Oak Creek Elem., Family Movie Night, 6 pm-Church Hill Middle, Winter Dance, TBD

26th -Smithson Valley High, SAT Testing, B Wing,7 am-Canyon and Church Hill Middle, Band Solo and Ensemble, at Canyon Middle Band Hall, 9 am-Canyon Lake High, Cheerleader Competition Practice, Cafeteria, 9 am

27th Canyon Lake High, Cheerleader Competition Practice, Cafeteria, 1 pm

28th -Goodwin Frazier Elem., Career Fair-Garden Ridge Elem., Canyon Middle Counselors will speak to the 5th Graders-Canyon Lake High, UIL Band Rehearsal, Auditorium, 4 pm

29th -Canyon Lake High, Region 12 MS Honor Band Clinic and Concert, Auditorium, 7 am-Church Hill Middle, NJHS meeting, 7:50 am-Johnson Ranch Elem., Smithson Valley Middle will visit 5th grade regarding Course Selections for 6th grade-Rahe Bulverde Elem., 5th grade Course Selection, 9 am-Church Hill Middle, Parent Night/Curriculum Fair, Old Gym, 5:30 pm-Rahe Bulverde Elem., 1st Grade Music Program, Cafeteria, TBA-Startzville Elem., Kinder-2nd Grade Reading Night, 6:30 pm

31st -Church Hill Middle, 8th Grade Panoramic Picture, 1 pm-Startzville Elem., Love and Logic Parenting Class, PRC/Library, 6 pm

Days, times & locations of events

are subject to change



Oak Creek Elementary student Zaelynn Molinamakes a nutritious garden wrap as Comal ISDExecutive Chef Mario Perez looks on.Parents, students and Oak Creek Elementary

volunteers took part in a “Healthy AfterschoolSnack Ideas for Families” event on Oct. 23.Perez helped teach participants how to make

healthy “Parfaits with a Purpose,” a fruit saladthat was filled with pineapples, oranges, grapesand flaxseed.The event ended with students preparing their

own garden wraps, filling whole grain flatbreadwith turkey, spinach, lettuce and bell peppers.“We think it’s great that so many people want

to learn about how to make their lifestyles morehealthy,” said Sandra Laxson, OCES ParentSupport Specialist.

OCES hosts healthy lifestyle eventThe Canyon Lake High

Emerald Dancers had abusy holiday season ofperformances. First, theykicked it up at the annualSattler Christmas paradeon Dec. 8. Then, on 12-12-12, the CLHS dance teamshad a Holiday Showcasefeaturing all ballroomclasses, First class ball-room team, Ballroom team2 and the EmeraldDancers. All that dancingdefinitely got them into theholiday spirit!

Holiday dancing shoes on at CLHS

The Timberwood Park Elementary choir was recently featured in a local news segment! FoxNews invited choir members to come and film two Christmas songs for its “Fox First NewsChristmas Special.” The program was scheduled to air on Christmas morning from 5 - 10 a.m. Thegroup performed “The Holly and The Ivy” and “Once upon a Christmas Time.” It was a great experi-ence and these TPES Tigers did the school proud!

TPES choir performs on TV


Saturday, January 19, 2013, 9:00 a.m.Start and Finish at Blue Bonnet Palace, Selma, TX

Come and Enjoy:

Texas Physical Therapy Specialists presents

3RD ANNUAL5K RUN/WALK

3RD ANNUAL5K RUN/WALK

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SaturdayStart and Finish at Blue Bonnet Palace, Selma, TX

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Kindergarten students at Bill Brown Elementary were participat-ing in many different activities on Nov. 7.Pictured here is Katelyn Salberta showing perfect Frisbee-throw-

ing form during a P.E. exercise in Carolyn Ckodre’s class.Students first performed fitness activities such as jumping jacks,

sit-ups and the bear crawl before attempting to thrown a Frisbeeinto a circled area.Students were also having fun reading and checking out books

from BBES librarian Cindy Lively. Pictured here, student RuvenCuevas reads “Oso Panda, oso panda, ¿qué ves ahí?” (Brown Bearand Friends) by Eric Carle and Bill Martin Jr. Also in full concentration mode is Talan Fuller in art teacher

Lizette Floyd’s classroom.Students drew lines on white paper using a black crayon and

then painted around the lines using watercolors. It was part of astudy of lines, one of the main foundations of art.

BBES kindergarten students busy with manydifferent activities

Mountain Valley Middle eighth-grader ClayJarrell really knows how to can a mean jar ofpickles! He received a second-place ribbon at theComal County Fair for his pickle entry. Way togo, Clay!

Prize-winning pickles


Comal ISD and the Jingle Bell5K in Gruene went together like hotapple cider and a warm holiday fire.With Comal ISD as St. Jude’s

Jingle Bell 5K’s partner for the firsttime in the race’s 20-year history, theJingle Bell 5K set an attendancerecord in Gruene with more than1,850 adults and children registered.Last year about 1,150 signed up forthe race/walk.“For us, the exposure to thou-

sands of families in the communitythrough Comal ISD is a gift,” saidErika Boyd, St. Jude’s CommunityRelations Manager. “We couldn’t askfor a better partnership. We can takecare of so many more kids becauseof the extra revenue we raised thisyear.”The Jingle Bell 5K kicked off

right in front of Gruene Hall at 9a.m. The Kids 1K started about 45minutes later. Some of the racerswere in it to win it, like the membersof Comal ISD’s cross-country teams,while others who walked the 5K tooka more leisurely approach.Many of the participants from

Comal ISD’s campuses and depart-ments wore matching shirts, somedressed up as their favorite holidaycharacter, and there were multiplepuppy dogs wearing reindeer hornsor jingle bell collars leading theirowners around the course.The race also kicked off Comal

ISD’s Health Initiative, a district-wide effort to help employees andstudents live healthier lifestyles.The Jingle Bell 5K included a

Health Fair, sponsored by one ofComal ISD’s Partners, ResoluteHealth. The Health Fair included informationabout diabetes prevention, healthy cooking andeating, healthy living and free health screenings.“Geographically, we’re such a big school dis-

trict,” said Superintendent Andrew Kim. “We’vebeen trying to think of a way to get everyonetogether and it just so happened that everythingfell into place and we were able to be a partner ina race that supports a great organization like St.Jude’s. A day like this brings a sense of spirit andpride in our school district and in the community.”All of Comal ISD’s 27 campuses were repre-

sented at the Jingle Bell 5K. The Canyon andSmithson Valley high school drumlines helpedkick off the 5K.Gruene Harley Davidson’s Paul Ray revved up

his Harley and led racers and walkers through thecourse. Rudy’s provided sausage wraps andStarbucks brought the coffee.After the Jingle Bell 5K and Kids 1K concluded, prizes were awarded for the fastest runners in

different age groups.“So many businesses and people volunteered their services and time to make this such a great

day,” said Kim. “I know Comal ISD wants to continue to make this event a hallmark of our district inthe future.”More than 200 children participated in the Kids 1K race. Comal ISD’s partnership in the St.

Jude’s Jingle Bell 5K helped the event have 700 more registered entrants than the previous year. IN PHOTOS: 1.Comal ISD Superintendent Andrew Kim poses with Startzville Elementary students (l-r) Rylee

Spaulding, Ethan Slater and Nash Young before the start of the St. Jude’s Jingle Bell 5K in Grueneon December 8.2.The St. Jude’s Jingle Bell 5K gets off to a clean start on December 8 in front of Gruene Hall.3.Members of the Canyon High drumline (l-r) Matt Carey, Nate Gentry, Nick Esqueda, Luis

Tovar, Kyle Coker, JJ Miller and Dylan Najvar helped kick off the St. Jude’s Jingle Bell 5K.4.Freiheit Elementary librarian Sandra Plumb and her dog Daisy get ready for the St. Jude’s

Jingle Bell 5K.

Comal ISD partners with St. Jude’s in Gruene’sJingle Bell 5K run, sets attendance record

Nine Mountain Valley Middle staff members recently competed in the Dirty Girl 5K Mud &Obstacle Run. Not only was it fun, but a portion of all registration fees went to the National BreastCancer Foundation (NBCF). In 2012, the goal of Dirty Girl was to provide the National BreastCancer Foundation with over $250,000 in monetary and in-kind support. In 2013, they hope to raise$1.5 million to support NBCF.

MVMS Mud Warriors

Goodwin FrazierElementary got a specialdelivery from a veryunique delivery personrecently. The school wasnominated School of theWeek by Peter PiperPizza. The reward waspizza and coupons. Itwas a tasty treat thor-oughly enjoyed by theteachers!

Delightfuldelivery atGFES

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GVTC has signed a long-term agreement withWorld Wide Soccer L.L.C. to place its name on asports complex being brought back to life. TheGVTC Communications Sportsplex is at the loca-tion of the former Northeast Youth SoccerOrganization facility on 29064 Bulverde Road.World Wide Soccer recently purchased the 42-acresite and has big plans to make it the premier out-door sports facility in the Hill Country. The six-year contract allows GVTC to place its

signage at the field entrance and throughout thecomplex. The GVTC name will also be displayedon the World Wide soccer website promotinggames, seasonal camps, training programs and other activi-ties to be held at the new complex. “We project thousands of fans every year will see the

GVTC Communications brand at the Sportsplex or on theWorld Wide Soccer website,” Jeff Mnick, GVTC vice pres-ident, sales and marketing, said. “This is an excellentopportunity to have our name associated with one of thefastest-growing sports in the country, and with a first-classfacility right in our service area.” World Wide Soccer is a venture headed by Jay Sparrow.

A former semi-pro player in England, Sparrow moved tothe area to open World Wide Soccer. He later went on toorganize and direct the popular SA United Soccer Club,which is currently home to more than 700 players. Sparrow saw the upside of the old Northeast Soccer

facility. He knew it was the ideal location to grow theWorld Wide Soccer programs. Eight playing fields are planned for the GVTC

Sportsplex, with two of them dedicated to the SA UnitedSoccer Club. To generate additional revenue, Sparrow plansto rent the fields year-round for soccer tournaments, seasoncamps, other teams needing a well-kept practice field, andother sporting activities. “Geographically, we’re located among a large group of

kids,” Sparrow said. “The North side of town continues to

develop and this facility will be appealing to thoseparents and players who don’t want to drive intoSan Antonio to practice or play games.” During the past few months, Sparrow and his

manager, Noel Hatherall, have put in a lot of workmaking the soccer fields playable again.“The commitment from GVTC keeps us mov-

ing forward with our plan to update the entirecomplex, which was in bad shape when weacquired it,” Hatherall said. “We’re updating thesprinkler system, reseeding all the fields, installinga few pavilions and putting up fencing in neededareas. It is going to take us some time to get it to

where we want it; right now our priority is getting thefields back playable for the spring season.” The GVTC Sportsplex is scheduled to be ready for use

in January 2013 with an official opening date set forJanuary 19. World Wide Soccer has plans to build perma-nent restrooms and concession stands, as more people usethe facility in the coming years.

About GVTC:GVTC is a full-service communications provider offer-

ing high-speed Internet, digital cable TV, phone and homesecurity monitoring across 2,000 square miles of SouthCentral Texas. GVTC was the first company in the regionto deploy fiber-to-the-home technology and through itsnext-generation fiber network has the fastest Internetspeeds in its service area. The company was namedBusiness of the Year by the Boerne and Canyon LakeChambers of Commerce, selected the past five years as aBroadband Communities magazine Top 100 broadbandprovider, recognized by the San Antonio Express-News andSan Antonio Business Journal as an exemplary employer,given the Fiber-to-the-Home Council’s Chairman’s Award,received a NTCA TeleChoice Award and twice named win-ner of the Broadband Multimedia Marketing Association’sMarketing Excellence Award. www.gvtc.com

GVTC scores naming rights to Bulverde-area sportscomplex

The Thanksgiving food drive at Mountain Valley Middle was a HUGE suc-cess! Thank you to all the Hawk families who donated canned goods to thisstudent council service project. Through your generosity, over 1,300 cans werecollected! Coach Ramon Amaro’s class was the winner of the 2nd period classcompetition. His class collected 357 cans! Pictured here are Coach Amaro andMatthew Rhodes with just a few of the cans the class collected.

MVMS Food Drive

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January 2013 Breakfast/Lunch MenusELEMENTARY MENUS

January 7-11

MON B: Egg, Sausage & Cheese Hot Pocket, Cereal& ToastL: Steak Fingers or Toasted Ham & Cheese,Mashed Potatoes, Cream Gravy, Green Beans,Chilled Pears

TUE B: Cinnamon Toast w/ Sausage, Cereal &Toast, Peach CupL: Crispy Beef Tacos w/ Fresh TacoTrimmings or Chicken Caesar Salad, PintoBeans, Pineapple Tidbits

WED B: Pancake on a Stick, Cereal & ToastL: WG Chicken Tenders or Mini Corn Dogs,Broccoli w/ Cheese Sauce, Cherry Tomatoes,Mandarin Oranges, Texas Toast

THU B: Sausage Breakfast Pizza, Cereal & ToastL: Hamburger or Chicken Burger on WG Bun,Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Crinkle Potatoes,Sliced Peaches

FRI B: Fresh Baked Cinnamon Roll, Cereal &ToastL: Cheeseburger or Cheese Pizza on WGCrust or Baked Fish Fillet Sandwich, FreshBaby Carrots, Fresh Garden Salad, FruitCocktail

January 14-18

MON B: Maple Mini Pancakes, Cereal & ToastL: BBQ Chicken or Mini Corn Dogs,Whipped Potatoes, Cream Gravy, Sweet GreenPeas, Mandarin Oranges, Breadstick

TUE B: Potato & Egg Breakfast Taco, Cereal &Toast, Peach CupL: Bean & Cheese Burrito or Toasted Ham &Cheese, Zucchini & Yellow Squash, SteamedBroccoli, Fruit Cocktail

WED B: Homemade Kolache, Cereal & ToastL: WG Chicken Nuggets or Beef Ravioli,Green Beans, Seasoned Carrots, Applesauce

THU B: Scrambled Eggs w/ Cheese, Sausage Link,Cereal & ToastL: Hamburger or Chicken Burger on WG Bun,Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Tater Tots, DicedPeaches

FRI B: Mini Cinnamon Waffle, Cereal & ToastL: Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza on WG Crust orFish Treasures, Cherry Tomatoes, BakedBeans, Pineapple Tidbits

January 21-25

MON B: HOLIDAY L:

TUE B: Apple Cinnamon Muffin, Mozzarella StringCheese, Cereal & Toast, Peach CupL: Homemade Enchiladas or Corn Dog,Spanish Rice, Black Beans, Sweet YellowCorn, Rosy Applesauce

WED B: Danimals Crush Cup Yogurt, Cereal & ToastL: WG Chicken Tenders or Steak Fingers,Glazed Carrots, Italian Mixed Vegetables,Breadstick, Diced Pears

THU B: Cinnamon Toast, Turkey Sausage Link,Cereal & ToastL: Hamburger or Chicken Burger on WG Bun,Shredded Lettuce, Sliced Tomato, CrinklePotatoes, Sliced Peaches

FRI B: Scrambled Eggs w/ Cheese, Cereal & ToastL: Cheeseburger or Cheese Pizza on WGCrust or Baked Fish Fillet Sandwich, FreshBaby Carrots, Fresh Garden Salad, FruitCocktail

January 28-31

MON B: Bean & Cheese Taco, Cereal & ToastL: Baked Macaroni & Cheese or Turkey &Cheese WG Sub, Tossed Salad, Green Beans,Mandarin Oranges

TUE B: Blueberry Mini Pancakes, Cereal & Toast,Peach CupL: Nachos w/ Beef & Cheese or Ham &Cheese Chef Salad, Lettuce & Diced Tomato,Glazed Carrots, Corn

WED B: Yogurt Parfait Banana Crunch, Cereal &ToastL: WG Chicken Nuggets or Toasted CheeseSandwich on WW w/ Chicken Noodle Soup,Mashed Potatoes, Baked Beans, RosyApplesauce

THU B: WG French Toast Sticks, Cereal & ToastL: Hamburger or Chicken Burger on WG Bun,Shredded Lettuce, Tomato, Tater Tots, Diced

Peaches

SECONDARY MENUSJanuary 7-11

MON B: Cinnamon Mini Waffles, Cereal & ToastL: Baked Macaroni & Cheese, FreshGarden Salad, Sweet Potatoes, MandarinOranges, Biscuit

TUE B: Breakfast Sandwich, Cereal & ToastL: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Spinach,Steamed Cauliflower, Sliced Peaches, WWBreadstick

WED B: Cheesy Scrambled Eggs w/ SausageLink, Cereal & ToastL: Chicken Tenders, Steamed Rice, Corn,Cherry Tomatoes, Diced Pears, Cornbread

THU B: Blueberry Mini Pancakes, Cereal &ToastL: Baked Potato Bar: Broccoli & CheeseSauce, Fresh Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Biscuit

FRI B: Fresh Baked Cinnamon Roll, Cereal &ToastL: Catfish Strips, Baked Beans, GlazedCarrots, Pineapple Tidbits, Cornbread

January 14-18

MON B: Scrambled Eggs w/ Sausage Link,Cereal & ToastL: Brunch for Lunch: Scrambled Eggs,Turkey Sausage Patty, Hash Browns,Refried Beans, Biscuit, Diced Pears

TUE B: WG Pancake on a Stick, Cereal & ToastL: Taco Salad w/ Trimmings, Fiesta Corn,Fiesta Rice, Side Salad, Mandarin Oranges

WED B: Cheesy Egg & Sausage Pocket, Cereal& ToastL: Beef Stroganoff over Noodles, FreshGarden Salad, Sweet Potatoes, CinnamonApplesauce, WW Breadstick

THU B: Fresh Baked Cinnamon Roll, Cereal &ToastL: Baked Potato Bar: Chili & Cheese,Baked Beans, Seasoned Carrots, Peaches,Cornbread

FRI B: Potato, Egg & Cheese Taco, Cereal &ToastL: Catfish Strips, White Rice, Corn on theCob, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail,Cornbread

January 21-25

MON B: HOLIDAY WG Sausage Breakfast PizzaL:

TUE B: Apple Cinnamon Muffin, Yogurt, Cereal& ToastL: Spaghetti & Meat Sauce, Broccoli,Steamed Carrots, Rosy Applesauce, WWBreadstick

WED B: Bean & Cheese Breakfast Taco w/ Salsa,Cereal & ToastL: Oven Fried Chicken, Green Beans,Fresh Baby Carrots, Mandarin Oranges,Biscuit

THU B: Cheesy Scrambled Eggs w/ SausageLink, Cereal & ToastL: Baked Potato w/ Broccoli & Cheese,Cherry Tomatoes, Sautéed Mushrooms,Chilled Peaches, Biscuit

FRI B: Maple Mini Pancakes, Cereal & ToastL: Catfish Strips, Mashed Potatoes, PintoBeans, Cornbread, Fruit Cocktail

January 28-31

MON B: WG French Toast Sticks, TurkeySausage Links, Cereal & ToastL: Beef Ravioli, Green Beans, SweetPotatoes, Diced Peaches, WW Breadstick

TUE B: Toasted Ham & Cheese Sandwich,Cereal & ToastL: Creamy Chicken Pasta w/ Broccoli,Tossed Salad, Sautéed Spinach, BakedApples, Breadstick

WED B: Homemade Kolache, Cereal & ToastL: Nachos w/ Beef & Cheese, Corn, SideSalad, Applesauce

THU B: Blueberry WG Muffin, Cheese Stick,Cereal & ToastL: Chicken Parmesan w/ WG Pasta, CherryTomatoes, Green Peas, Breadstick

*Offered daily: Choice of milk and fresh fruit. Menu subject to change due to availability of product.

“No” Charge Policy will go into effect May 7th until the end of the school year. All outstanding meal balances should be

paid in full. A courtesy meal can be provided at no cost to a student that does not have funds.

*When writing checks for lunch accounts, please include your driver’s license number, phone number and your child’s student iden-

tification number. *You may also go to www.comalisd.org to the Lunch Money Now link and add funds to your child’s account.

*Cash payments should be put into an envelope with your child’s name and identification number on it. Thank you for your help.

CHS Transportation Feeder Pattern Angel Tree - … · Tommy Quill (tuba) and Nathan Streger ......

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Transcript of CHS Transportation Feeder Pattern Angel Tree - … · Tommy Quill (tuba) and Nathan Streger ......