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Elmo Express

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∗ Shining Stars: Campus Teachers of the Year and New Teachers of the Year

Page 3

∗ These are our Athletes: Signings

Page 4

∗ Birthday Shout Outs

∗ Health Matters: West Nile Virus

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∗ Employee Snapshot: Dianne LaBay

∗ Phillips 66 Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Schreck

∗ Honor for Phyllis Chappell

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∗ Announcements and Upcoming Events

∗ Big Time Shout Outs

Page 7

∗ Board Briefs

∗ Quotes to Live By: Annie Ray

May 2016

Columbia Brazoria Independent School District

What’s Inside

NOTABLE DATES • May 26 - Last day of Instruction

• May 27 - Employee Recognition Breakfast - WCE - 7:30am

Class of 2016 Graduation - Griggs’ Field - 8:00pm

• May 30 - Memorial Day - Holiday

• June 3, 10, 17, 24 (Fridays) - Administration O1ce Closed

• June 16 - Special Board Meeting for Budget

Administration building - 6:00pm

• June 28 - Regular Board of Trustees Meeting

Administration building - 6:00pm

• July 1,8, 15, 22, 29 (Fridays) - Administration O1ce Closed

• July 4 (M) - Holiday for Sta7

• Week of July 4th - 8th - Administration O1ce Closed

YOU IMAGINED IT AND IT HAPPENED…

THANK YOU FOR A BIG TIME SCHOOL YEAR!

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MAY SHINING STARS

Campus Teachers of the Year and New Teachers of the Year

Barrow Elementary Jamie Johnson, New Teacher of the Year Catherine Mader, Teacher of the Year

West Columbia Elementary Leigh Ann Morra, New Teacher of the Year

Iris Howard, Teacher of the Year

West Brazos Junior High Hayley Galloway, New Teacher of the Year Amy Woodrome, Teacher of the Year

Wild Peach Elementary Kayla Eubanks, New Teacher of the Year Cynthia Henry, Teacher of the Year

Columbia High School Ashley Harriman, New Teacher of the Year

Carri Shank, Teacher of the Year

Each year the campuses vote on who deserves to be the Teacher of the Year and New Teacher of the Year for their campus. A committee, consisting

of a current administrator, retired administrator, retired teacher and a board member, judge the candidate’s essays on set criteria for the District

Teacher and New Teacher of the Year. The district winners will be announced at the End of Year Breakfast, on May 27th.

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ATHLETIC SENIORS SIGN TO PLAY IN COLLEGE

Left: Laci Hambalek

signed to play softball

with Kilgore College

Right: Chantel Ward

signs to run track with

Houston Baptist

University

Above: Richard Hooper signs to

run track with Prairie View A&M

Right: Hailey

Castaneda signs to

play soccer with

Howard Payne

University

Left: Katelyn

Chancey signs to

play soccer with

Southwestern

Assemblies of God

University

Right: Celeste Loughman

signed to play softball

with University of Texas

San Antonio

Left: Marcus Farris

signs to play foot-

ball with Millsaps

College

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MAY

26 Elias Acevedo, Sandra Minshew,

Mary Sorensen

27 Alan Kerley

JUNE

1 Eddie Chambliss

2 Sharon Phillips

4 Sue Whitt, Jennifer Kincannon,

Julie Segovia, Alyssa Stanzel,

Christine Rodriguez

6 Angela Williams

7 Kristina Rodriguez

10 Terez Turner

11 Kate Graham

12 Alexander Garza Jr.

13 Peggy Kresta, Tina Henson

14 Mayra Zamudio

15 Sandra Shaver, Catalina Villanueva

16 Jenny Massey, Kourtney Ward

19 Gina Martinez, Becky Watts

20 Carol Boyd

23 Renee Bullard

24 Terry German, Amber Neal, Bobbi

Westbrook

25 Kathryn Carr

26 Connie Carter, Mari Delgado

27 Kevin Boykin, Barbara Fields, Katy

Wagner, Deb Tepera

28 Roger Broussard

30 Meghan Ashley

JULY

1 Nancy Boyd, Tracey Harrington,

Stephanie Key, Mary Solis

2 Lauren Jones

3 Tonya Fletcher

4 Kim Clinch

5 Tara Belote, Jennifer Murphy

6 Cherish Griffin

7 Gail Coulter, Karen Evans

9 Armando Jimenez

10 Jacob Carr, Phyllis Chappell,

Evelyn Higgins, Debbie Kinman

11 Kathy Stevens

12 Anna Martinez

13 Taylor Logsdon

15 Rachael Cohen

17 Misty Hammond

18 Jeremy Thomas

19 Ana Saroza, Natalie Taylor

20 Donna Diver, Wanda Gee

21 Lauren Neill

22 Tiffany Douget, Carlneka Kerns

23 Erin Bickham, Amy Stephenson

24 Mollie Malone

25 Kayla Kmiec

26 Stephen Murphy

28 Catrina Hogan, Juan Rosas

30 Glenda Franks

31 Ann Edwards, Scott Hightower,

Allison Owens

AUGUST

2 Jaime Garza

4 Penny Boatwright

6 Ernestine Bell

7 Songkree Ouankeo

8 Holly Cantrell

9 Ana Pena, Brenda Randon

10 Kayla Eubanks, Stephen Gutierrez

11 David Cunningham

12 Tren Bell

14 Wendy Thoe

15 Ellen Frieze, Ashley Jensen, Scott

Moody

17 Martha Galvan

19 Alma Bess, Cheryl Kacal, Justen

Williams

21 Shannon Johnston, Carol Vasquez

22 Cynthia Henry, Korey Langford

23 Robert McReynolds

SUMMER BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUTS

HEALTH MATTERS…..

With the first Texas case of West Nile virus this year, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and transmission of the potentially deadly disease. The case was reported to DSHS today by the City of El Paso

Department of Public Health.

Recent focus has been on Zika, an illness relatively new to the Western Hemisphere that has yet to be transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas. While health officials continue preparing for the possibility that Zika could spread in Texas, West Nile virus has made a return this sum-

mer. In 2015, West Nile caused 275 reported cases of illness in the state, including 16 deaths.

To reduce exposure to West Nile and other mosquito-borne viruses people should:

• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent, such as those containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus/para-menthane-

diol. People should follow the instructions on the label and use repellent every time they go outside.

• Regularly drain standing water, including water collecting in empty cans, tires, buckets, clogged rain gutters and saucers under potted

plants. Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus breed in stagnant water.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside.

• Use air conditioning and make sure screens on all doors and windows are in good condition to keep mosquitoes from entering the

home.

The same precautions will also help prevent Zika, though West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which are most

active around dawn and dusk, and Zika is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which usually bite during the day.

There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent West Nile virus infection. People over 50 years old and those with other health issues are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying when they become infected with the virus. If people have symptoms and sus-

pect West Nile virus infection, they should contact their healthcare provider.

Symptoms of West Nile fever include headache, fever, muscle and joint aches, nausea and fatigue. A more serious form of illness, West

Nile neuroinvasive disease, can also cause neck stiffness, disorientation, tremors, convulsions, paralysis and coma.

DSHS will post West Nile case counts by county at www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

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Current Position: Counselor and

West Brazos Junior High

How long have you worked for CBISD? I have worked for CBISD for 8 years as a counse-lor at both CHS and WBJH. I worked at Katy ISD after CHS and returned to CBISD after

several years there.

Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had? Prior to a career in educa-

tion, I was a purchasing agent for Occidental Chemical Compa-ny. After staying at home to raise my children, I changed career

paths so that I could be home in the summer with them.

What is one memory from high school that stands out? I fell down a flight of stairs tripping on the hem of my pants. Of

course, I never lived it down.

Tell us a little about your family. I live in Needville with my husband, Blake, and our 3 dogs— Yeti, Kammi and Harlee. We have three grown children— Tanya, Jackie and Taylor, as well as four grandchildren—Tyler, Marissa, Londyn and Miriam (and

one on the way). FAVS: Food— Any kind of Fruit

Drink—Sweet Tea

Book/Author—I love to read historical romance novels in the

summer to unwind

Movie—Wizard of Oz

Is there a song you like to hear that might surprise people who know you? My ringtone and favorite song right now is “Stressed

Out” by 21 Pilots

Do you have a guilty pleasure? My daughters told me I am ad-dicted to exercise clothes so I’ve had to stop buying them—for now. My second is fonts. Yes, fonts. I have over a thousand fonts

on my home computer.

What do you want to do when you retire? I plan to go full steam ahead with my embroidery business, Integri-Stitch, which I have had for 10 years. I look forward to the day when I have more free time so that I don’t have to schedule my time down to sec-

onds to get everything in.

Name a famous person you would like to meet and why. I have two… I would like to meet Kate Middleton and JJ Watt. Last year at a Texan game I came really close to JJ but did not get to

talk to him. :(

Tell us something about you few people know. I have a severe stage fright. I used to keep it a secret which made it worse. Now, I just embrace it and it help me deal with students who have the

same issue.

EMPLOYEE SNAPSHOT— Dianne LaBay

Phillips 66 Math/Science Teacher of the Year

On May 19th, Stephanie Schreck, Columbia High School Math

Teacher was chosen as Phillips 66 Teacher of the Year. She

received a $1000 and a nice award.

Congratulaons Phyllis Chappell—

Selected by Dow Chemical Company and the Smithsonian Science Educaon

Center to a�end the 2016 Biodiversity SSEAT, held in Washington DC.

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• Sheila Bean (WCE) would like to announce the birth of my second child, Charlotte Cynthia Bean, born on May 12, 2016 at 1:25 pm. 7 pounds, 8 oz.

• Meridith Hackemack’s (WBJH) daughter, Taylor Hackemack, a recent Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture graduate of Mis-sissippi State University, was 1 of only 56 students in the graduating class of 7,126 to have earned an A in every class taken during her four years at the university.

• Patti Neel’s (WPE) daughter, Brianna Phillips, will be graduating from Columbia High School on May 27, 2016.

• Rey Ornelas (TRANS) has three children graduating this month. Matthew Orneles is getting his Masters Degree in Business at Baylor University, Christian Ornelas is graduating from Law School at LSU and his baby, Nathanial Ornelas, is graduating from Alvin High School. “I’m very proud of my children!”

• Stephen Guitierrez’ son, Anthony John-Eric Gutierrez, graduated from the Police Academy at Brazosport College on May 6th. His daughter Samantha Gutierrez received her Senior ring and participated in the "Ring Ceremony" at Texas A&M Inter-national University on May 10th.

• Iris Howard’s (WCE) oldest son Matthew Howard and his wife Allyson are due to have a baby boy on June 14. That is his first child and my 3rd grandchild. We are very excited!!

• Renee Bullard (ADM) is expecting a new granddaughter this summer! Her son and daughter-in-law, David and Amanda Mills, are having their first child. Mia Mor’ Mills is due on June 15, 2016. We cannot wait to welcome this bundle of Joy to the world.

• End of Year Breakfast— May 27th, 7:30am at West Columbia High School

• No Name Festival, Brazoria Civic Center — June 6th: Little Mini Brazoria Pageant, June 7: Little Miss Brazoria Pageant, June 9: Jr. Miss Brazoria Pageant, June 10th: Miss Brazoria Pageant 7pm, Arts & Crafts Show 4-9pm, BBQ Cook Off 6-12pm, June 11th: Parade 10am and all day activities, including helicopter rides.

• Have a fun and safe summer! We will see teachers back on August 10, 2016. Classes resume on August 23rd.

Announcements - Wow, the accomplishments!

WBJH CAFETERIA IS

SENDING A SHOUT

OUT TO THE CLASS

OF 2016. THEY WILL

SURLY BE MISSED.

CONGRATULATIONS

TO ALL!

- Jennifer Robinson

I would like to thank everyone for helping

make my first school year go smoothly and

for everyone’s patience with me. Especially

the ladies at the Administration Building.

- Austin Roch

Big Shout to BARROW ELEMENTARY STAFF

for being AWESOME! Thanks for three great

years! Looking forward to our continual growth

together.

- Samantha Fowler

I would like to give a Shout Out to

Mr. Keith Barnett the Counselor

at WPE for all his help with the

Gifted & Talented (GT) projects

and the showing of these. He was

there to answer any questions and

helped the students make their

websites. Thank you Mr. Barnett!

- Shevon Walden

Big Shout to Donna Diver at

WBJH! She is always willing

to stop her work and help us

with what we need. She goes

above and beyond to help keep

things running smoothly. She

does all of this with a smile on

her face and such a great atti-

tude. Thanks Donna!

- Meredith Hackemack

BIG TIME SHOUT OUTS!

Terry Turner-super excited to

have you join the Student Services

team in 16-17 as LSSP! Welcome!

-Lynn Grell-Boethel

Shout out to Catrina Hogan for all

her hard and dedicated work in

helping 2 families who were

homeless to get a home! You are

awesome!

- Lynn Grell-Boethel

I would like to give shout-out to

ALL of the paras at WBJH and

the substitutes! They work very

hard to make sure that our students

are set up for success. Thank you

for your support and ALL of your

hard work.

- Sharline McClendon I want to send out a big

SHOUT OUT to everyone at

WPE. It has been an interest-

ing year with multiple ups and

downs, but through it all EACH

person on our campus did

what they could at that time. We

ARE overcomers and we will

continue to stand together as we

face each new challenge.

- Tina Watts

Upcoming Events

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BIG TIME SCHOOL YEAR!

Time spent well!

Teach Big! Think Big!

Act Big!

Recognition The Board routinely recognizes and notes appreciation for those who have extended service or brought honor for outstanding

performance or achievement.

The following were recognized:

Students: West Columbia Ele-

mentary Student Council

Shining Stars - 2016-2017 Teachers of the Year Campus Selections: Carri Shank (CHS), Amy Woodrome - (WBJH), Catherine Mader (BE), Iris Howard (WCE), and Cynthia Henry (WPE); and New Teach-ers of the Year Campus Selec-tions : Ashley Harriman (CHS), Hayley Galloway (WBJH), Ja-mie Johnson (BE), Leigh Ann Morra (WCE), and Kayla

Eubanks (WP)

Campus Communication.

At the Board Table Instructional update was given by Lynn Grell-Boethel, Assis-

tant Superintendent for Student Services. Chris Miller, CHS Principal, discussed Chrome-books for CHS students. Keith Barnett, WP Counselor, present-ed a video made by WP students

on Chromebooks.

< Maintenance report us given by Superintendent, Steven Gal-

loway.

< Chris Miller gave the yearly report on graduation plans for

the CHS class of 2016.

< Budget Report was given by Dee Ann Ogburn, Exc. Director

of Business Services

< Dee Ann Ogburn gave the Quarter-ly Investment Report. <The Delinquent Tax Collec-

tion Report was presented by Mike Darlow, representative from Perdue, Brandon, Field-er,

Collins & Mott, LLP.

< District Financial Advisors Duane Westerman of SAMCO Capital Markets, Inc. presented

the Debt Review for CBISD.

Business Items Approval was given for the fol-

lowing:

• Administered Oath of Of-

fice to unopposed trustees Jonathan Champagne (Position #4) and Wendy

Monical (Position #3).

• Elected Board of Trustees Officers - President -

Jonathan Champagne, Vice- President -Becky Danford, and Secretary - Linda Huebner.

• Named Board President, Jonathan Champagne, as delegate and Board Vice-President, Becky Danford as alternate to 2016 TASB

Delegate Assembly.

• Decided not to elect candi-date for TASB Board of

Directors.

• Inter-Local Agreement with Brazoria County on WC Elementary parking lot for rebuild, repair, and WCE

drainage improvements.

• Budget donations including St. John’s Lodge for year-

end breakfast ($400).

• Budget amendments includ-ing transfer funds for library aide extra time at Wild Peach ($198); transfer funds for changes in HR office and

business office ($34, 997.50) To pull forward rest of funds for classroom furniture ($2,311.00); pull forward funds for access control soft-ware ($14,172.12); pull for-ward funds for universal ac-tivity building at CHS ap-proved in April

($162,475.00)

• Sale of property held in trust by CBISD and Brazoria

County as approved.

• Personnel recommendation for employment of Ashley Mays (BE - 4th Grade Writing Teach-er), Steven Fiala (CHS - SPED), Samantha Kuykendall (WBJH-

7th Grade Reading Teacher-Coach), Victoria Cossey (WBJH-

PE Teacher/Coach), Kevin Cossey (WCE-PE teacher/ Coach), Teresa Peterson (WP-

Social Worker), Haley Bell (WCE-6th Grade), Kurstie Davis (BE-3rd grade teacher), Kayla Scott (BE-1st grade teacher), Keri Weber (BE-2nd grade teacher), Misty Hammonds - (WCE-6th grade teacher), Kalyn Trevino - (WBJH- Teen Leader-ship/Coach), Brett Nidey (CHS-

ISS Teacher) Jeff Kemmerling (CHS-CTE teacher), Sara Beery

BOARD

BRIEFS

Quotes to Live By: Annie Ray, CHS Teacher

“The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to

press on.” Barack Obama

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” Martin Luther King Jr.

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear.”

Rosa Parks

“Love everybody, trust a few, make sure you paddle your own canoe.”

Annie Ray