Sienna Plantation News

April 2011

PRSRT STDU. S. POSTAL

PAIDPERMIT 40PEARLAND TX

POSTAL CUSTOMER

2009-2010

K-12PERFORMANCEREPORT

SIENNAPLANTATIONSCHOOLS

COMMUNICATIONDISORDERS AND

LEARNING ABILITY

YOUNG, GIFTEDAND CHALLENGED

BY GREATSCHOOLS™

2009-2010SIENNA PLANTATION K-12SCHOOL PERFORMANCEREPORT BY GREAT SCHOOLS™

COMMUNICATION DISORDERSAND LEARNING ABILITY

FBISD DECLARESFINANCIAL EXIGENCY

IT’S KINDERGARTEN AND PRE-KREGISTRATION TIME

YOUNG, GIFTEDAND CHALLENGED

6

12161618

MONTHLY DEPARTMENTS:2 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

4 COMMUNITY PROFILEPREPARING CITIZENS OF THE WORLD

13 ASK THE EXPERT

IBC SIENNA DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS

CONTENTS

12

6

FEATURES

Sienna Plantation News is an advertiser-supported publication whollyowned by Community Magazines LLC, publishers of custompublications for narrowly focused audiences. There is no affiliationwith Sienna Plantation, Sienna Plantation Residential Association Inc.or Johnson Development.

2 • APRIL 2011

Welcome to the Sienna PlantationNews second annual SchoolReport issue. Since last year,the state of our district’s

schools is a topic of much more mediacoverage. You’ve all probably read that for the2011-2012 school year, Fort Bend ISDwill bechallenged to operate within severe budgetconstraints. Though the full impact of thestate’s budget shortfall won’t be known until later this summerwhen the Legislature adoptsa state budget, even the best case scenarios seem grim.A possible forced return to 2005-2006 budget levels does not reflect the opening of

new campuses, and the addition of 11,500 students and 1,180 teachers. Since that timeperiod, Sienna Plantation opened two new schools: Ridge PointHigh School in 2010-2011and Jan Schiff Elementary in 2008-2009. Neither does the state budget shortfall factorin declines in property values, the replacement of federal stimulus funding, increases instudent enrollment, or the evolving needs of the student body. In 1991, 3.4% of FBISDstudents qualified for reduced or free lunch. Today, 36% do.The Sienna Plantation NewsK-12 School Performance Report by Great Schools™, the

nation’s leading resource on information about school performance, shares performancerankings for our community’s schools for the 2009-2010 school year. On a scale where tenis the very best, two of our elementary schools scored nines. Themiddle and high schoolswere solid performers ranking seven and eight. Schiff Elementary, year-over-year showedsteady test score improvement.Whether the 2011-2012 FBISD budget cuts are deeper than anyone imagines or

miraculously, current budget levels remain intact, our children deserve an education thatproperly prepares them for the world in which they will be adults. A Quick Link entitled2011 Budget Challenges has been set up on the FBISDwebsite: www.fortbendisd.com tokeep interested parties informed.Though it is easy to feel overwhelmed, don’t underestimate or underutilize your parental

power. Contact elected officials and voice your opinions. You can identify your statelegislators by going to www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us. Find a group whose mission you support,join and actively participate.Save Texas Schools is a nonpartisan statewide volunteer coalition of parents, students,

educators, business leaders, concerned citizens, community groups and faith organizationsthat you might want to check out at www.savetxschools.org.Regular communication with your child's teachers will help them know your child's

learning needs more comprehensively. When you can, volunteer to help out in theclassroom and/or on field trips to offset losses in teacher support and increased classroomsizes.As long as our children know that learning is a highly regarded family value, nomatter

the obstacle, academically, they will be poised to successfully meet their future.

Until next time,

DeniseDenise R. Williams, Publisher

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Call to advertise in theMay HOMES issue(281) 778-9782

Contact Denise R. Williams, Publisherto discover the power of advertising in

Sienna Plantation News.(281) 778-9782

[email protected]

4 • APRIL 2011

COMMUNITY PROFILE

The goal of Fort Bend Inde-pendent School District is toprepare our students, notonly for high school gradua-

tion, but to become productive cit-izens of the world. As anelementary school teacher for thepast three years in FBISD, I see thedistrict’s focus has consistently in-cluded driving the instructionalprogram using data and teachercollaboration.

Teachers work together todetermine the best practices forreaching students and meeting their

unique needs by using districtadopted programs. This year,FBISD has implemented the TexasJourneys textbook adoption forEnglish Language Arts from

Preparing Citizens of the WorldBy Melanie Fraizer, M.Ed.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company(HMH).

The original intent in purchasing this series wasfor its differentiation components. The TexasJourneys textbook curriculum has four levels ofreading proficiency, including English languagelearners. Ultimately, the entire program waspurchased because all parts deliver a strong readingfoundation, giving students the skills and strategiesneeded to succeed in the world around them.

The district is cognizant of what the realworld will look for from its students -- the abilityto speak with articulation, an understanding of thevalue of money management, and knowledge ofproper correspondence techniques to name a few.As such, not a day goes by that teachers are notreminded of the importance of working with eachand every student so that he or she gains aboveproficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking,and mathematics.

FBISD provides the State standards-basedcurriculum. Teachers, however, are not left to guesswhat to do or figure out how to implement theprograms on their own. The district offers year-round professional development opportunitiesthrough staff development trainings, as well as offcampus workshops where teachers choose theirareas of development. Teachers have the advantageof learning new ideas and concepts, networking withother FBISD teachers, and gaining creative insight tobring back to their students.

As the district continues to examine the progressof its students, the effectiveness of programs andteacher practices, the evidence and trends discoveredwill be used to further develop and refine thecurriculum and instructional approaches that willlead students to successfully enter the next stages oftheir lives. ■

Melanie Frazier is a seasonedteacher with over fourteen yearsof experience in teaching andcurriculum development. Shecurrently teaches 5th grade atScanlan Oaks Elementary.

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March 17th 2011 marked more than justSaint Patrick’s Day. It was also the daythat thousands of medical studentslearned where they would begin their

careers as doctors after graduating this spring.The National Resident Matching Program

(NRMP) Main Match provides an impartial venue formatching applicants' preferences for residency

positions with programdirectors' preferences forapplicants.

Each year approxi-mately 16,000 U.S. allo-pathic medical schoolseniors and 15,000 grad-uates of osteopathic,Canadian or foreign med-ical schools compete forapproximately 24,000residency positions.

The NRMP is not an application service or a jobplacement service. Applicants apply directly to residencyprograms in addition to registering for the Match.

The 2011 Main Residency Match was the largest inNRMP history, with more than 26,000 positions andalmost 38,000 applicants. Overall, U.S. seniors’participation in the Match also increased with 16,559applicants—489 more than 2010.

For the second year in a row, more U.S. medicalschool seniors will train as family medicine residents.The number of U.S. seniors matched to familymedicine positions rose by 11 percent over 2010.

Among primary care specialties, family medicineprograms continued to experience the strongest growthin the number of positions filled by U.S. seniors. In thisyear’s Match, U.S. seniors filled nearly half of the 2,708family medicine residency slots. Family medicine alsooffered 100 more positions this year.

The two other primary care specialties thatincreased in popularity among U.S. seniors werepediatrics and internal medicine. U.S. seniors matchedto 1,768 of the 2,482 pediatric positions offered, a 3percent increase over 2010. In internal medicine, U.S.seniors filled 2, 940 of 5,121 positions, an 8 percentincrease over last year.

In addition to primary care, other specialties that

increased the number of residency positions filled by U.S. seniors in this year’sMatch included emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and neurology. ■

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is a private, not-for-profitcorporation established in 1952 to provide a uniform date of appointmentto positions in graduate medical education (GME) in the United States. ■

Medical SchoolMatch Day 2011

4/30/2011

4/30/2011

2009-2010 Sienna Plantation K-12School Performance Report

by Great Schools™

Great Schools is the nation’sleading resource for infor-mation on school perform-ance. Great Schools’ ratings

are based on a comparison of Texas As-sessment of Knowledge and Skills(TAKS) results for all schools in the state.TAKS, a standards-based test, is used to teststudents in reading: grades three throughnine; writing: grades four and seven; English

language arts: grades ten and eleven;mathematics: grades three througheleven; science: grades five, eight, tenand eleven; and social studies in gradeseight, ten and eleven.

Students must pass TAKS tests ingrades three, five and eight in order tobe promoted to the next grade. Theymust also pass the grade eleven ExitLevel TAKS in order to graduate from

high school.Following is the Great Schools rating

and performance summaries for the 2009-2010 academic year for the public schoolszoned to Sienna Plantation: Scanlan OaksElementary, Sienna Crossings Elementary,Schiff Elementary, Baines Middle School,Elkins High School and Hightower HighSchool. Data was not available for RidgePoint High School.

Scanlan Oaks Elementary School 9000 Camp Sienna Trail Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 634-3950

Grade 3

Reading 98% (2010) 99% (2009) 99% (2008)

97% (2007) 99% (2006)

The state average for Reading was 92% in 2010. Math

96% (2010) 95% (2009)

90% (2008) 90% (2007)

92% (2006) The state average for Math was 86% in 2010.

Source: TX Education Agency, 2009-2010

Grade 4

Reading 95% (2010)

100% (2009) 95% (2008)

94% (2007) 94% (2006)

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010.

Writing 98% (2010) 98% (2009) 98% (2008) 98% (2007) 99% (2006)

The state average for Writing was 78% in 2010. Math

97% (2010) 98% (2009)

94% (2008) 95% (2007)



Grade 5

Reading 100% (2010)

99% (2009) 94% (2008)

97% (2007) 99% (2006)

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2010. Science

97% (2010) 95% (2009)

92% (2008) 93% (2007)

89% (2006) The state average for Science was 88% in 2010. Math

98% (2010) 97% (2009)

92% (2008) 93% (2007)



Sienna Crossing Elementary School 10011 Steep Bank Trace Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 634-3680

Grade 3

Reading 99% (2010) 100% (2009)

98% (2008) 97% (2007) 98% (2006)


Math 96% (2010) 97% (2009)

94% (2008) 94% (2007)



Grade 4

Reading 99% (2010)

98% (2009) 95% (2008)

99% (2007) 97% (2006)


Writing 99% (2010)

98% (2009) 95% (2008)

98% (2007) 97% (2006)


99% (2010) 99% (2009)

96% (2008) 97% (2007) 97% (2006)

The state average for Math was 88% in 2010.


Grade 5

Reading 99% (2010) 100% (2009)

99% (2008) 99% (2007)

96% (2006) The state average for Reading was 85% in 2010. Science

95% (2010) 96% (2009)

90% (2008) 94% (2007)

99% (2006) The state average for Science was 88% in 2010. Math

99% (2010) 100% (2009)

99% (2008) 100% (2007)



Jan Schiff Elementary School 7400 Discovery Lane Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 634-9450

Grade 3

Reading 91% (2010) 92% (2009)

Data not available for this school (2008) Data not available for this school (2007) Data not available for this school (2006)


84% (2010) 76% (2009)




Grade 4

Reading 85% (2010)

84% (2009) Data not available for this school (2008)

Data not available for this school (2007) Data not available for this school (2006)

The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010. Writing

87% (2010) 82% (2009)



88% (2010) 83% (2009)




Grade 5

Reading 92% (2010)

88% (2009) Data not available for this school (2008) Data not available for this school (2007) Data not available for this school (2006)

The state average for Reading was 85% in 2010. Science

87% (2010) 84% (2009)


The state average for Science was 88% in 2010. Math

88% (2010) 90% (2009)




Billy Baines Middle School 9000 Sienna Ranch Rd Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 634-6870

Grade 6

Reading 89% (2010)

95% (2009) 94% (2008) 94% (2007)

Data not available for this school (2006) The state average for Reading was 86% in 2010. Math

85% (2010) 83% (2009)

86% (2008) 74% (2007)

Data not available for this school (2006) The state average for Math was 82% in 2010.


Grade 7

Reading 89% (2010)

87% (2009) 85% (2008)



Writing 96% (2010)

93% (2009) 88% (2008)



85% (2010) 82% (2009)

78% (2008) 77% (2007)



Grade 8

Reading 98% (2010)

97% (2009) 96% (2008)



Social Studies 97% (2010)

91% (2009) 91% (2008)


The state average for Social Studies was 95% in 2010. Science

82% (2010) 73% (2009) 73% (2008)


The state average for Science was 78% in 2010.

Math

91% (2010) 87% (2009)

84% (2008) 65% (2007)



Lawrence Elkins High School 7007 Knights Ct Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 634-2600

Grade 9

Reading 96% (2010)

93% (2009) 90% (2008) 90% (2007)

93% (2006) The state average for Reading was 92% in 2010. Math

82% (2010) 77% (2009)

71% (2008) 66% (2007)



Grade 10


92% (2009) 92% (2008)

89% (2007) 92% (2006)

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2010.

Science 82% (2010)

72% (2009) 70% (2008)

67% (2007) 75% (2006)

The state average for Science was 74% in 2010. English Language Arts

96% (2010) 94% (2009)

93% (2008) 93% (2007)

91% (2006) The state average for English Language Arts was 90% in 2010. Math

85% (2010) 73% (2009)

69% (2008) 67% (2007) 67% (2006)



Grade 11

Social Studies 98% (2010) 99% (2009)

97% (2008) 97% (2007) 98% (2006)

The state average for Social Studies was 98% in 2010.

Science 95% (2010)

88% (2009) 86% (2008) 87% (2007) 87% (2006)


98% (2010) 97% (2009) 97% (2008)

92% (2007) 95% (2006)

The state average for English Language Arts was 93% in 2010. Math

94% (2010) 88% (2009) 88% (2008)

86% (2007) 85% (2006)



Hightower High School 3333 Hurricane Ln Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 634-5240

Grade 9

Reading 93% (2010)

91% (2009) 92% (2008)

88% (2007) 93% (2006)


77% (2010) 71% (2009)

65% (2008) 62% (2007)



Grade 10


90% (2009) 89% (2008)

83% (2007) 85% (2006)

The state average for Social Studies was 93% in 2010. Science

77% (2010) 74% (2009)

67% (2008) 60% (2007) 61% (2006)


94% (2010) 91% (2009) 91% (2008)

89% (2007) 91% (2006)

The state average for English Language Arts was 90% in 2010. Math

78% (2010) 67% (2009)

63% (2008) 59% (2007)



Grade 11

Social Studies 98% (2010) 98% (2009)

97% (2008) 94% (2007)

96% (2006) The state average for Social Studies was 98% in 2010.

Science 93% (2010)

90% (2009) 86% (2008)

75% (2007) 81% (2006)


95% (2010) 97% (2009)

96% (2008) 93% (2007)

92% (2006) The state average for English Language Arts was 93% in 2010. Math

90% (2010) 87% (2009)

83% (2008) 70% (2007)



For more information on school performance, please visit www.greatschools.net and/or www.fortbendisd.com ■

8 • APRIL 2011

At Kids R Kids, childrenbenefit from the latest inresearch-based, field-proven, early education

training while incorporating play.Sienna Plantation Kids R Kids own-ers,Nasreen andRustomKhosravian ,and Director, Lisa McDowell, sharefive points that set Kids R Kids apart:

Smart BoardThe TeachSmart® Board is a

60” interactive computer learningsystem. The Smart Board offers

1100+ learning activities in foursubjects: math, emergent literacy,social studies and science that tiedirectly into national accreditationguidelines like the National Associ-ation for the Education of YoungChildren.

“The Smart Board is like a 60” in-teractive iPad. It’s an amazing learningmechanism that fits perfectly with ourlearn-with-play philosophy,” saysRustom who with his wife also ownsthe Kids R Kids on Colonial LakeDrive in Missouri City.

KIDS R KIDS:The SMART choice

Concentration on Expert Research-DrivenChild Development

Kids R Kids applies Dr. Piaget’s Learn with Playphilosophy – planned, purposeful and playful --for infants through age 12. Their award-winningcurriculum uses multi-sensory learning thatconcentrates on developing the intellectual,emotional, social, physical and cognitive abilitiesin a child. While children are playing and havingfun, they’re learning and making neurologicalbrain connections.

“Studies show that 85% of the brain isdeveloped by age six. The Kids R Kids curriculumis purposefully designed to ‘activate’ brain cellsthrough specific stimulus,” says Nasreen. Thecurriculum extends to the after-school programas well. Upon arrival, a dedicated teacher helpschildren with their homework followed by anafter-school curriculum that focuses onpurposeful play for school-age children.

AwardsKids R Kids in Sienna has been a Platinum

Award Winner three years in a row. Kids R KidsInternational bestows this prestigious award to se-lect Kids R Kids schools that have fulfilled cur-riculum and operational standards, as well as

• 9APRIL 2011

health and safety guidelines.The iSmart Award was alsogiven to the school for incor-porating the use of innovativetechnology into the class-rooms.

Focus on AccreditationKids R Kids is currently

under review for SACS/CASI accreditation. Man-agement, teachers, and par-ents underwent a two-dayintense evaluation by aQuality Assurance ReviewTeam from AdvancED, thepremier education accredita-tion organization in theworld. The QAR team de-termined the school met therequirements for SACS/CASI accreditation and willget official confirmation inJuly. To date, Kids R Kids isthe only private school in Si-enna that has gone throughthe AdvanceED reviewprocess.

Teachers’ ProfessionalDevelopment

Excellent facilities, tech-nology and curriculum are allimportant, but none of thosethings work without dedicated,well trained and devotedteachers and staff. “We takepride in the extensive trainingour teachers receive and theircommitment to providingexceptional education,” saysDirector, Lisa McDowell.

Kids R Kids provides aneducational environment that’sa safe, nurturing place whereparents can feel great aboutthe choice they’ve made fortheir children. ■

For more information visitthe Kids R Kids in SiennaPlantation at 4401 SiennaCircle or call (281) 778-3600.

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Brain Developement Starts EarlyThe first years of life are crucial for intellectual, social and general development; 80 percentof the brain develops by age three.SOURCE: National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies: Child Care in America FactSheet, 2008-2009

ADVERTORIAL

By Nancy V. Mills, APRPhotos by Larry Pullen Photography

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital understands theunique needs of women of all ages. From breast and bonehealth, to maternity and children’s care, to gynecological

surgeries, Memorial Hermann Southwest is committed todelivering compassionate and comprehensive, award-winning care to women throughout their lives.

Sweet anticipation: Expecting a babyMemorial Hermann Southwest seeks to make every

woman’s pregnancy and childbirth an extraordinary experience, from informative parenting classes to quality obstetrical care.Delivering more than 3,500 babies annually, Memorial Hermann Southwest provides individualized care to meet the uniquecultural, spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the mother andher infant and family.

HealthGrades®, the leading independent healthcare ratingscompany, has recognized this excellence, ranking the hospital’s maternity care among the top 5 percent in the nation* for the pastfour years. It is also one of only two hospitals in the Houston-Baytown-Sugar Land area to receive the HealthGrades MaternityCare Excellence Award for six consecutive years.

Testing and consultation for high-risk pregnanciesThrough its affiliation with The University of Texas Health

Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School, Memorial Hermann Southwest provides onsite diagnostic testing, genetic counseling and specialized fetal care to women with high-risk pregnancies. These women are referred by their obstetricians because of conditions and complications such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple fetuses, preterm labor or other fetal indications.

Staffed by a highly specialized team composed of an affiliated physician with advanced medical training in maternal-fetal medicine, an ultrasonographer and a genetic counselor, the Memorial Hermann Southwest Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic sees patients three days each week and team members are always on call.

Along with comprehensive and targeted fetal ultrasounds, the clinic provides important testing such as amniocentesis, Doppler studies, fetal biophysical profiles and contraction stress tests. Maternal-fetal medicine physicians serve as consultantsso women continue to see their regular obstetricians throughout their pregnancies.

Nurturing mother and babyAt Memorial Hermann Southwest, private, spacious state-of-

the-art labor, delivery and recovery rooms feature comfortable, homelike amenities. Operating rooms are located nearby for cesarean deliveries. Affiliated obstetricians and anesthesiologists are available around the clock to serve only women in childbirth.

Superior technology enables physicians to monitor maternal contraction patterns and fetal heart rates from their offices andphones, so they can provide care instructions to the hospital’s

Obstetrician-gynecologist Mary Van Sickle, M.D., checks in with new parents Cynthia and Jason Wylie after delivering their daughter Morgan just days earlier.

Neonatologist Mesfin Woldesenbet, M.D., joins Asadia Walcott and her twin daughters Laila and Maliah in the NICU. Big brother Isaac looks forward to taking his baby sisters home soon.

Memorial Hermann Southwest deliversmuch more than babiesHospital recognized for award-winning women’s and children’s care

*As part of the Memorial Hermann Healthcare System: The Woodlands, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest Hospitals

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seasoned labor and delivery nurses.Ann Swift, R.N.C., is director of labor and delivery at Memorial

Hermann Southwest. She is proud of her highly collaborative team of nurses with years of experience.

“Our nursing team is highly skilled and works well together,” says Swift, noting members’ average tenure is 18 years. “This helps us anticipate the needs of new moms and their babies so we can provide exceptional care.”

Following delivery, new moms enjoy recently renovated, private postpartum rooms. Here, mom can have her baby room-in alongwith another adult who can share in this special time. Couplet care,where the same nurse cares for mother and baby, enables nurses to provide more personalized care, education and support to bolster theconfidence of new parents in caring for their newborn.

Many Memorial Hermann Southwest nurses are international board-certified lactation consultants specially trained to assist new moms in lactation so their babies can benefit from breastfeeding. Memorial Hermann Southwest holds the distinction of being a Texas Ten Step Facility, as designated by the Texas Department of State Health Services, for its efforts to improve the health of Texas mothers and infants by promoting breastfeeding.

When newborns require extra careSometimes babies enter this world sooner than expected or under

circumstances that require specialized care. Memorial Hermann Southwest has the only Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursery in southwest Houston to care for these newborns. Staffed 24/7 by affiliated neonatologists and highly skilled nurses, this high-level NICU delivers specialized care to babies with extreme prematurity or severe or complex illness.

The NICU staff is equipped to care for babies born as early as 24 weeks’ gestation. The hospital’s affiliation with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital means a seamless transition to higher-level care if needed.

Memorial Hermann Southwest was one of the first Houston B

hospitals to use Bubble CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) technology to help promote breathing in premature babies. Unlike a mechanical respirator that uses pressure to open the lungs, CPAP uses air bubbles in a bottle of vinegar and a humidifier to help the infant breath easier. This noninvasive support keeps babies’ lungs inflated at the end of breaths and has the ability to remove the tiniest babies from breathing assistance in less than 10 days.

Robots revolutionizing gynecological proceduresAlthough many women first experience the comprehensive,

compassionate care of Memorial Hermann Southwest when giving birth, the hospital is also a recognized leader in laparoscopic surgeries, having performed more than 10,000 minimally invasive procedures. Among these laparoscopic surgeries are treatments for cervical and uterine cancer, endometriosis and excessive menstrual bleeding.

Memorial Hermann Southwest is revolutionizing these surgeries with the assistance of da Vinci® robotic-assisted technology. Guided by the surgeon, the robot’s hand can perform wrist twists and turns that exceed the ability of the human hand and break down surgical movements into ultra-fine actions. In addition, the 3-D robotic camera enhances visibility by lighting up the pelvic area like a

photography studio and magnifying it like a high-end telescope. “The da Vinci camera provides an expanded field of

view that is amazingly clear,” says Mary Van Sickle, M.D., a Memorial Hermann Southwest-affiliated obstetrician-gynecologist. “The robot lets me turn instruments at numerous angles to get into tight corners, so it’s a huge technological advancement.”

Robotic laparoscopic procedures use small incisions so patients typically experience shorter hospital stays, less pain and quicker recoveries.

Mammograms save livesWomen should undergo an annual mammogram beginning at age 40, or earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer. Mammograms are an important tool in detecting cancer in its earliest stages when treatments are most successful.

“When women are in their 40s, tumors grow faster so it’s very important to screen annually,” says Stephen Rose, M.D., a dedicated breast radiologist affiliated with the Memorial Hermann Breast Care Center-Southwest.

One feature that separates this comprehensive breast center from other imaging centers is its dedicated breast radiologists. Unlike general radiologists who see everything from broken bones to breasts, the board-certified, dedicated breast radiologists at Memorial Hermann Breast Care Centers read and interpret only breast mammograms, making them exceptionally knowledgeable about this important screening test.

To schedule a mammogram, please call the Memorial Hermann Breast Care Center-Southwest at 713.456.4584.

Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital-affiliated physicians specializingin women’s health issues who use da Vinci robot-assisted technology to perform many gynecological procedures include David Galvan, M.D., Tom Nguyen, M.D., Aparna Kamat, M.D., Valerie Bahar, M.D., and Anh Reiss, M.D. Not pictured, but also performing these advanced laparoscopic procedures, are Geri-Lynn Fromm, M.D., Terri Pustilnik, M.D., Nelson Uzquiano, M.D., and Mary Van Sickle, M.D.

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12 • APRIL 2011

Aspeech and languagedisorder can result indifficulties withexpressive and receptive

language, thinking ability, speechclarity, and speaking fluently. Dueto this, many parents soon begin towonder if these difficulties willaffect their child’s level of successin school. Speech and languagedisabilities do not predict a child’sintelligence but it may cause

difficulties such as learning newconcepts and expressing oneselfadequately in a school setting.

Since language is used forcommunication and is thefoundation of learning to read andwrite, children with speech andlanguage disorders are more likelyto have difficulties in school. Theyfrequently perform poorly inschool due to their reduced abilityto understand directions, decipher

Communication Disordersand Learning Ability

By Valintean Feaster, M.S., CCC-SLP

Continued on page 17

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social cues, make friends, solve problems, accessmemory, and express thoughts. These difficulties canbe the direct result of deficits in languagedevelopment. Therefore, age appropriate speech andlanguage skills are pertinent for academic success.

Some children can have a language based learningdisability. In this case, the child has problems withage appropriate reading, spelling and/or writing skillsbut may have average to superior intelligence. Signsof a language based learning disability may include:difficulty expressing ideas clearly, learning newvocabulary, understanding questions, followingdirections, recalling information, readingcomprehension, story retelling and mastering pre-literacy skills.

The promising aspect about this matter is thatthere are many treatment options which can helpyour child to be more successful in school. Parentsshould seek the help of a Speech LanguagePathologist for assessment and treatment. A SpeechLanguage Pathologist can collaborate with parents,classroom teachers, physicians, and otherprofessionals involved with the child to form acooperative treatment team to ensure your child’sneeds are being met.

Speech and language therapy can help your childto become a more effective communicator, improvecognitive skills, enhance problem solving skills,improve social skills, and reading skills. Therapy

QHow painful is a Brazilian wax?

AThere is a little discomfort, especially the first time. Atrained esthetician like the Wax Specialists at theEuropean Wax Center in Missouri City, ensure that the

process is as comfortable as possible. Specialized techniquesand soothing lotions can help. The European Wax Center alsoapplies a strip-less, hard beeswax to the skin that when it cools,adheres to unwanted hairs. When it is pulled away, hairs areremoved at the same time as the wax in one swift motion. Toreceive optimal waxing results, maintain a frequency of 3 to 4weeks. Over time, the Brazilian bikini wax becomes a virtuallypain free experience. At the European Wax Center in MissouriCity, the Brazilian bikini waxis our most popular service.Once you experience it, youwill never go back toshaving. First time guests ofthe European Wax Centerreceive a free bikini line (orunderarms or eyebrows)wax. You can upgrade thebikini line to a full bikini for$16 or Brazilian for $19.50.

Answer provided by theEuropean Wax Center, MissouriCity. (832) 539-1822.

QCan having a tattoo get me kicked off the foot-ball team at Ridge Point next year?

ATattoos, icons, and any other markings on the body,whether permanent or temporary, not required by astudent’s religion, should be covered at all times in an

unobtrusive manner that does not interfere with the educationalenvironment. A student who has markings on his or her bodyand wishes to participate in extracurricular activities must ensurethat the markings are covered by the standard uniform for theactivity.

Answer provided by Fort Bend Independent School District.(281) 634-1000.

QIs Pilates good for teenagers?

APilates can build a good foundation for the teenagebody to build and improve core strength andflexibility. Teaching the body to initiate movement

from its core will improve muscular control and prevent

injury. Pilates also improves body alignment and endurancethrough proper breathing, making it especially good for theteenage athlete.

Answer provided by Scoop Pilates and Personal Training.(281) 778-6801.

QHow is it okay for the school to use dogs to searchour lockers? Even though we’re under 18, doesn’tthe Constitution give us the right to privacy?

AFBISD uses trained dogs to alert school officials to thepresence of prohibited or illegal items, including drugsand alcohol. At any time, trained dogs may be used

around lockers and areas around vehicles parked on school ordistrict property. Searches ofclassrooms, common areas, orstudent belongings may alsobe conducted by trained dogswhen students are not present.An item in a classroom, alocker, or a vehicle to which atrained dog alerts may besearched by school officials.Trained dogs sniffing of carsand lockers does notconstitute a search under theFourth Amendment. The alertof a trained dog to a locker orcar provides reasonable cause

for a search of the locker or car only if the dog is reasonablyreliable in indicating that contraband is currently present.Trained dogs sniffing of students does constitute a search andrequires individualized reasonable suspicion.

Answer provided by Fort Bend Independent School District.(281) 634-1000. For further information, see Board Policy FNF.

QWhat can I do to make sure I get accepted intocollege?

AFinish high school in the top 10% of your class. Thetop ten percent of the senior class receivesautomatic entry into state colleges and universities.

The first class ranking is run at the beginning of the junioryear. Rank in Class (RIC) is determined by a computerlisting which begins with the number one (#1) placeawarded to the student with the highest cumulative gradepoint average (GPA) that semester. The GPA for allstudents in the grade level is then ranked in descendingorder.

Answer provided by Fort Bend Independent School District.(281) 634-1000.

Ask the ExpertShould you be a member of the

Sienna Plantation News Panel of Experts?

Contact Denise R.Williams at (281) 778-9782or [email protected] for details

Send questions to [email protected] ASKTHE EXPERT, P.O. BOX 17267,

Sugar Land,Texas 77496

Panel of Experts

Dr. Sonhui ChungEye Connection

Dr. Dan WilliamsHouston Fertility Institue

Lauren SimpsonStudio S

Linda LochridgeColony Kids

UT Physicians

Zondria McKinneySienna Dance

Indu DudwalEuropean Wax Center

Kelly Baker Williams, SRES, AHSMartha Turner Properties

Dr. J. Michael BennettFondren Orthopedic Group, LLP

Dr. Brian SmithSienna Plantation Animal Clinic

Judy FeinsteinThe Towne Creek School

Dana Barger and Tim LocumSnap Fitness

We NeedYour Expertise

Pastor and First Lady PerryWord of Restoration

Kricket McWashingtonKafé of Image Salon & Barber

Marty and Laurena Powell, DDSPowell Dental Care

Lisa McDowellKid R Kids


Jennifer Hunter,MS, CCC-SLP

Speech and Learning Center


Chris BergerSugarLandNetwork.com

Bill and Lyn BrownPrimrose School of Sienna

Father John RooneySt. Angela MericiCatholic Church


Philip and Tracey GriffinScoop Pilates andPersonal Training

• 15APRIL 2011

16 • APRIL 2011

FBISD DeclaresFinancial Exigency

The Fort Bend Independent School DistrictBoard of Trustees approved a resolution de-claring financial exigency at the March 7th reg-

ular board meeting. Due to the projected budgetrestriction in state funding for education, FortBend ISD faces budget shortfalls ranging from $30to $74 million in the upcoming budget year.

Regardless of the actual amount, thereduction will be significant, and the District’sdeclaration of financial exigency will allow theadministration to move forward in implementingfinancial processes to best address the projectedbudget deficit and develop a balanced budget forthe 2011-2012 school year. It also enables theDistrict to declare a reduction in force, which ifnecessary, is an elimination of positions andprogram changes or reorganizations.

For the past few years, the District’s salary andbenefits have comprised 87% of the budget.When a budget must be cut, much of thereduction has to come from these categories. Themajority of the reductions must be made in thearea of staffing and/or programs along with staffmembers who support those programs. The goalis to reduce staff-related costs as much as possiblethrough attrition.

The Board also approved a voluntaryresignation incentive for 300 librarians andteachers (who do not teach in acute shortageareas) of 10% of their base salary. This incentivewill prompt employees planning to resigneffective the end of the school year to submittheir resignations earlier, during the period ofMarch 8th through April 25th to assist the Districtwith staffing plans for 2011-2012. ■

For more information visitwww.fortbendisd.com or contact FBISDCommunity Relations at (281) 634-1100.

while on active duty.Since FBISD does not offer transportation for

the Pre-K program, qualifying students may beenrolled in any of the 23 campuses offering Pre-Kclasses. ■

For more information regarding registration,please contact the school in which your child willenroll or call (281) 634-1140.

It’s Kindergarten and Pre-KRegistration Time

Kindergarten Registration for the 2011-2012 school year is sched-uled for April 11th and 13th from 8:10am to 3:10pm and onApril 12th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at all elementary campuses.

A child must be five years old on or before September 1, 2011 to en-roll in kindergarten.

To register a child, parents will need a copy of their child’s birthcertificate (or equivalent), immunization records, social security card (ifunavailable, a state identification number will be assigned), and proof ofresidence such as a deed, lease or mortgage agreement or current utility billand an unexpired Texas driver’s license (or other government providedphoto ID) that includes the FBISD address of the parent or guardian.

Pre-Kindergarten registration will be held May 3rd, 4th and 5th.To qualify for the Pre-K program, a child must be a FBISD resident,

four years old on or before September 1, 2011, and be unable to speak orcomprehend the English language, eligible for free/reduced lunchaccording to Federal guidelines, homeless, currently or previously in fostercare or have a parent currently on active military duty or injured or killed

• 17APRIL 2011

Therapy sessions can be provided in a group,individual, and/or consultative model. It caninvolve building vocabulary, retraining memory,practicing using language for peer interactions andschool use; and/or using individualized programsrelating to specific school work. Your child can alsogain knowledge of language learning strategies touse within the classroom to boost his/herperformance. This will improve your child’sacademic ability, confidence and overall experiencein school. Discovering that your child is differentin a way that may negatively impact his/heracademics is very difficult to cope with. It is criticalthat the family seeks the help of a Speech-Language Pathologist as soon as problems arise sothat you are surrounded by supportive and qualityproviders that can guide your family. ■

Please contact The Speech and Learning Centerat (281) 403-2600 with any questions. For moreinformation visit www.speechandlearning.comor email us at [email protected]. TheSpeech and Learning Center, 5819 Highway 6,Suite 360, Missouri City, Texas, 77459

Communication Disorders andLearning AbilityContinued from page 12

Countdown toLast Day of School

Last day of school Graduation

Words Spoken in Early Years Really MatterA study of interaction between primary care givers and children concluded thatthe words spoken by primary caregivers to children in their early years account for59 % of the cognitive accomplishments of preschool-age children.SOURCE: National Association of Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies: ChildCare in America Fact Sheet, 2008-2009

Young, Giftedand Challenged

By Denise R. Williams

From unchallenging school curriculum to an un-realistic assessment of their gifts; from rejec-tion by their peers to parental and societalpressure to achieve; from perfectionism to

competitiveness, gifted children between the ages of11 and 15 often deal with a range of social, educa-tional and emotional challenges as a direct result oftheir gifts while simultaneously coping with the typi-cal challenges faced by all adolescents.

Four percent of the student body at Scanlan Oaks islabeled gifted/talented; 3% at Sienna Crossing; 14% atBaines Middle School; 15% at Elkins High School and14% at Hightower High School. Data was not availablefor Schiff Elementary and Ridge Point High School.The state average for gifted/talented students is 8% ofthe student body.

Awareness of the possible challenges and pitfallsfaced by the community’s many gifted students,especially at the middle and high school level, can helpparents and teachers better understand and support theirspecial needs. Adjustment challenges demonstrated bygifted children share several distinct characteristics.

I’m not who you think I am. Though talents havebeen recognized at an early age,researchers have found that somechildren tend to doubt the validityof those findings, wondering ifparental or teacher favoritism orlack of objectivity, not realgiftedness on their part, is drivingtheir identification asgifted/talented. Peer pressure andthe desire to fit-in and be“normal” can also cause someadolescents to deny even themost amazing talents.

No thanks, just looking. Itis not uncommon for giftedchildren to become increasinglyrisk averse as they grow older.Because they tend to be moreaware of the repercussions ofcertain activities, giftedadolescents may reject morerisky behaviors like advancedplacement courses and stiffcompetitions where high levels

18 • APRIL 2011

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of success are less predictable and lower standards ofperformance will be (at least in their mind) not acceptable.

Some gifted adolescents feel a strong need to maintaincontrol. Themore risky or challenging the environment, the lesslikely they will be able to keep all variables under their absolutesphere of personal control. Rather than take the risk, they stayin a safe, self-limiting box.

Whose life is this, anyway? Adolescence is a time markedby vulnerability to the emotional appeals and criticisms ofothers. The greater a child’s gifts, often, the greater theexpectations and outside (often well intentioned) interferencefromparents, teachers, siblings and friends.When others hopesdiffer from the adolescent’s own goals for themselves,some gifted children begin to feel doubt and despair.

If you’re so smart. Gifted adolescents, especially insecondary school, have reported the need to prove theirtalents to each new teacher and/or peer group withwhom they come in contact, creating an energy drain thatcan lead to feelings of frustration and isolation.

Never good enough. Gifted adolescents havelearned to set high standards for themselves which cansometimes lead them to have unrealistic expectations ofwhat they should be able to achieve. Though parents andteachers perceive a task as successfully accomplished, thegifted/talented adolescent sometimes harbors anunfounded sense of disappointment and feelings offailure.

Decide already. Predisposed to impulsivedecision making, combined with high levels of talent,gifted adolescents can be highly intolerant ofambiguity. Lacking the maturity to realize few thingsin life are absolute, their impatience for clear-cutanswers can sometimes lead them to make hastydecisions. When those decisions do not lead to theoutcomes they believed would result, feelings ofanger and disappointment can ensue. These negativefeelings can be heightened when their less capablepeers gloat over the gifted child’s failure.

You’re not grown yet. Too often, giftedadolescents prematurely decide on a career path,prompting an adult-like identity circumventing thenormal process of identity crisis and resolution whichis part of the maturation process.

Being attuned to forces that often drive the

• 19APRIL 2011

PROOF

__school_amount__ schools in the __city_1__ area!Call 1.800.PRIMROSE or visit www.primroseschools.com to find your neighborhood Primrose School.

__school_name_1__ __phone_1__

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School NameAddress | City, State Zip | Phone

Educational Child Care For Infants through Private Kindergarten and After School

Our students consistently score above their peers on standardized tests. Visit a school and discover how Primrose provides a nurturing environment and engaging programs that provide the right foundation to build active minds, healthy bodies, and happy hearts.

Enroll today for a brighter tomorrow

Primrose School of Sienna4400 Sienna Parkway | Missouri City, TX 77459 | 281-431-8687

www.primrosesienna.com

Each Primrose School is privately owned and operated. Primrose Schools and The Leader in Educational Child Care are trademarks of Primrose School Franchising Company. ©2008 PSFC. All rights reserved.

8817 HWY. 6, STE. 470 MISSOURI CITY, TX 77459

281-778-6801 WWW.SCOOPPILATESHOUSTON.COM

20 • APRIL 2011

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENTFOR HEALTHY LIVINGFOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

IT’S THE SUMMER TO RE-DISCOVERSomething for everyone

Team and individual Youth Sports

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Camping for all ages

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and, SO much more!

FORT BEND FAMILY YMCA4433 Cartwright Road Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 499-9622ymcahouston.org/fort-bend-family

TW DAVIS YMCA911 Thompson Highway Richmond, TX 77469 (281) 341-0791ymcahouston.org/tw-davis

RegisterEarly&Save!No Joining Fee April 16-24

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studies have shown that gifted girls, especially in middleand high school, appear to be vulnerable to the pull ofcultural expectations, rendering peer acceptance moreimportant than development of their abilities.

The FBISD Gifted and Talented Program istasked with identifying academically giftedstudents and providing for their special academic,social and emotional needs. For more informationand a list of resources, visit the Gifted andTalented Program page on the Fort Bend ISDwebsite. www.fortbendisd.com/gifted ■

gifted/talented youngster can helpthe adults in their lives be moresensitive to their needs. Thoughthe gifted/talented adolescent mayrapidly assimilate information andhave abilities beyond that of manyof their peers, they are still

adolescents whose level ofmaturity is not always aligned withthe level of their gifts.

Research has shown that studentswho participate in gifted/talentedprograms are less likely to mask theirtrue abilities as they get older. Some

Fort Bend ISD Gifted and TalentedProgram Services at a Glance

The GT program is available for identified GTstudents at every grade level in every schoolthroughout the District.

Services are currently provided in core subjectareas: English/Language Arts, Mathematics,Science, and Social Studies.

Students in Kindergarten are not offered GTservices until they are identified in February oftheir Kindergarten year.

Identified students are grouped together forservices. In some cases, GT students are in coresubject area classes with only other GT students.Sometimes, however, it is not possible for acampus to have GT only classes so non-identifiedstudents who are expected to perform at a highlevel are placed in the classroom with GT students.

At the secondary level (grades 7-12), GTservices are provided in Pre-AP/AP courses.

Fort Bend does not have a separate GTcurriculum. Teachers are expected to meet theneeds of GT students in their classrooms bydifferentiating the District's curriculum. In this way,they are able to meet the varied needs of GTstudents.

The aim of the differentiated curriculum is toencourage GT students to develop critical, creative,and productive thinking skills, self-directed learningskills, an awareness of their own unique abilities,and to create advanced-level products and/orperformances.

A Gifted and Talented Mentorship Program isavailable for identified juniors and seniors. Studentsmust complete an application process to beconsidered for the program.

Opportunities to accelerate are offered throughthe District's Credit By Exam testing conducted inthe summer by the Testing and EvaluationDepartment. ■

8810 Highway 6, Suite 100Next to HEB in the Sienna Village Shopping Center

713-486-1200www.UTPhysicians.com/SiennaVillage

Conveniently located on Highway 6 just west of the Fort Bend Parkway, UT Physicians at Sienna Village brings world-renowned

health care for children, adolescents and adults right to your neighborhood. We offer adult and pediatric primary care, including

comprehensive women’s health services, along with a full range of specialty care.

Adult Services include:Cardiology/Non-Invasive testingCV-Thoracic SurgeryEndocrinologyFamily MedicineGastroenterologyGeneral/Bariatric SurgeryGerontologyNephrologyNeurologyNeurosurgeryObstetrics/GynecologyOncologyOrthopedicsPsychiatryPulmonary MedicineRenal DiseaseUrology

Pediatric Services include:General PediatricsCardiologyGastroenterologyNeurologyOtorhinolaryngology (ENT)

As the medical group practice of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, UT Physicians is a national leader in the

delivery of integrated, personalized care, with many of our doctors listed among the “Best Doctors in America.” UT Physicians is

a preferred provider for nearly all managed care insurance plans.

Through UT Physicians at Sienna Village you will have access to our full practice of more than 1000 physicians certi�ed in 80 medical specialties and subspecialties.

at Sienna Village

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