THE LEADER La Porte Independent School District Every Student’s Success Is Our #1 Priority
April 27, 2017
Chamber representatives conduct mock interviews with LPHS students promote themselves, and to help them understand that they too are interviewing their prospective employers as well, to find a fit that’s also right for them. As a member of local industry, I’m proud to be a part of this program knowing that students will be better prepared to take on future career opportunities. “ The interviews were held at Bayou City Industrial Contractors, Inc., courtesy of owner Jeff Bearden. Dr. Steve Horton of the Construction and Maintenance Education Foundation talked with the students and provided information on successful interviewing techniques as they waited for their scheduled interviews. Debbie Seibert, La Porte ISD career and technical education coordinator, expressed her appreciation to the Chamber and the business/industry representatives who devoted their time to the project. “We are very grateful to the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce and the business and industry representatives who spent the day with us conducting mock interviews with our career and technical education students. The opportunity to practice their interviewing skills is invaluable for our students, and they appreciated the helpful advice that our business leaders provided to them as they prepare for future interviews for college, careers or military service,” Seibert said. “The mock interviews are one of my favorite events sponsored by the Chamber,” added Bremer. “Any time individuals in business and industry have the chance to intermingle with students, the result is beneficial to both parties. Who knows, we Cindy Bremer, left, of Noltex and Leslie Herbst of Port Houston ask questions during a mock may very well meet again in the work place in a few years!” interview with a La Porte High School student on April 30. The mock interviews are a project of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Committee.
Business and industry representatives involved in the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Committee recently donated their time to help La Porte High School students prepare for college and careers. Students involved in career and technical education programs at La Porte High School had the opportunity to participate in mock interviews led by volunteers from area companies that are members of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce. Following the interviews, the business leaders offered guidance and advice for future interviews. “The opportunity given to the students by the Chamber’s Workforce Development Committee affords them real life experience in the interview process,” said Cindy Bremer, supervisor of logistics management for Noltex and immediate past-chairman of the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “They come in not knowing what to expect. They’re nervous, but somewhat prepared with resume in hand. “The interview is conducted using basic, but very common questions,” she continued. “After the formal interview is over, we offer tips on improving their resume based on points hit on during the discussion. We also stress the importance of a firm handshake and eye contact, researching the company in which they are applying and being prepared with questions of their own. Hopefully, they leave with a hint more confidence and some basic tools to make their first interview in the real world a little less intimidating.” Leslie Herbst, manager of community relations and events for Port Houston, explained that the interviews provide an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in a formal setting, but also allow them to receive valuable, one-on-one feedback after the interview in a friendly and supportive environment. “I was impressed with the students’ abilities to carefully balance school, work, and their personal lives, yet many weren’t properly showcasing themselves and their skills,” Herbst said. “I hope the mock interviews helped students learn how to
Prekindergarten registration set for May 1 – June 2 at three campuses
Registration and qualification for the 2017-18 La Porte ISD prekindergarten program will begin on May 1 and will run through June 2 at Bayshore Elementary (800 McCabe Rd.), College Park Elementary (4315 Luella, Deer Park) and La Porte Elementary (725 S. Broadway) schools between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays.
The following documents are required for registration: • Child’s Birth Certificate (proof of age required – must be 4 on or before Sept. 1, 2017) • Child’s Social Security Card • Immunization Records • Proof of residency (current utility bill – i.e. water or electric) • Guardian’s Texas Driver’s License or Texas I.D. Card • Guardian’s Military I.D. (if applicable) • Proof of Income (current paycheck stub) • DFPS Letter (if applicable)
To be eligible for pre-K, students must live in La Porte ISD, be four years old by Sept. 1, 2017, and meet one of several other criteria. These criteria include being educationally disadvantaged, unable to speak and comprehend English, homeless, the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States or one who was injured or killed while on active duty, or having been in the conservatorship (foster care) of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing. For more information, call 281-604-7030.
Maritime Academy graduate honored at Apr. 18 graduation, recruitment dinner Preston McGowan was honored as the 2016-17 graduating senior in La Porte High School’s Maritime Academy during the annual Graduation and Recruitment Dinner on April 18. Preston, who will graduate with honors, was recognized at the event held in the Bulldog Bistro of the new Career and Technical Education facility at La Porte High School. Gilda Ramirez of Port Houston was the mistress of ceremonies, and Dean E. Corgey, Port Houston Commissioner, was the featured speaker. The group also heard from Dawona Miles, maritime coordinator for Port Houston; Chief John Stauffer, associate vice chancellor and superintendent of maritime at San Jacinto College; Ursula Williams, maritime program coordinator at Texas Southern University; Darren Shelton, quality and systems director for Moran Shipping Agencies, Inc.; and Debbie Seibert, LPISD career and technical education coordinator. Corgey and Captain David Jancauskas, LPHS Maritime Academy instructor, presented Preston with a medal and a certificate from Port Houston. Preston also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from U.S. Congressman Brian Babin during the event. Junior high and high school students who are interested in the LPHS maritime program were also invited to the dinner, as were current LPHS maritime students. Also on hand for the event were representatives from a wide variety of companies involved in the maritime industry as well as colleges and universities at which students may further their maritime education.
La Porte High School senior Preston McGowan, center right, is honored as a 2017 graduate of the La Porte High School Maritime Academy during the annual Maritime Graduation and Recruitment Dinner held on April 18 in the La Porte High School Bulldog Bistro. Congratulating him are, from left, Dean E. Corgey, commissioner of Port Houston; Todd Schoppe, LPHS principal; Fred McGowan, Preston’s father; Cari McGowan, Preston’s mother; and Captain David Jancauskas, LPHS Maritime Academy instructor.
Board of Trustees election set for May 6; early voting continues through May 2 La Porte ISD’s Board of Trustees election will be held on Saturday, May 6, with early voting continuing through May 2. Incumbent Lois Rogerson is unopposed in her bid for Position 1 on the Board. Dennis Slate is also unopposed for the Position 3 seat, which is currently held by Phillip Hoot. Kathy Green and Phillip Hoot are candidates for Position 2, which is currently held by Green. Early voting continues through May 2 at the following locations: La Porte City Hall (Precincts 1-7) 604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte Hours: April 24, 25, 27, 28, and May 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 26 and May 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. La Porte ISD Instructional Technology Center (Precincts 1-7) 9832 Spencer Highway, La Porte
Hours: April 24, 25, 27, 28 and May 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 26 and May 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shoreacres City Hall (Precinct 8) 601 Shore Acres Blvd., Shoreacres Hours: April 24, 25 and May 1, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 27, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April 26 and May 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; April 28, 8 a.m. to noon Morgan’s Point City Hall (Precinct 9) 1415 East Main St., Morgan’s Point Hours: April 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; May 1 and 2, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the May 6 Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting locations are the LPISD Instructional Technology Center for Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 6; La Porte City Hall for Precincts 4 and 5; College Park Elementary School for Precinct 7; Shoreacres City Hall for Precinct 8; and Morgan’s Point City Hall, Precinct 9.
La Porte High School JROTC Military Ball held Apr. 20 at Sylvan Beach Pavilion The La Porte High School JROTC held its annual Military Ball on Thursday, April 20, at Sylvan Beach Pavilion. The event began with the posting of the colors by JROTC Color Guard members Tracy Liles, Nathanial George, Showepaul Soto and Joel Reyes, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge. Major Crystal Armstrong, La Porte High School JROTC commander, welcomed cadets and special guests, followed by several cadets who addressed the group, gave the invocation and acknowledged the Table of the Fallen, and presented the traditional toasts. Retired U.S. Army Major Keli Chevalier gave the keynote address for the occasion. A motivational speaker who graduated from the University of Houston, Chevalier also leads a non-profit organization dedicated to female veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and owns The Communication Couturist. One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the Military Ball Court. The honorees included Philip Terry and Victoria Gorby, Baron and Baroness; Mark Montero and Shelby Stiewert, Duke and Duchess; Anthony Green and Cheyenne Wascom, Prince and Princess; and Bryce Rowley and Alicia Hale, King and Queen.
Alicia Hale, who was named Queen of the Military Ball Court, dances the first dance with Bryce Rowley, King of the Military Ball Court, during the April 20 event.
Members of the La Porte High School JROTC Color Guard present the colors at the start of the Military Ball on April 20. From left are Tracy Liles, Nathanial George, Showepaul Soto and Joel Reyes.
La Porte High School senior Anthony Green presents Grisel Wallace, right, Heritage Elementary School principal, with a rose at the Military Ball. JROTC cadets made the presentation to members of the JROTC Booster Club and other special guests at the beginning of the program.
Members of the Military Ball Court are announced at the April 20 event. From left are Alicia Hale, Queen; Cheyenne Wascom, Princess; Shelby Stiewert, Duchess; and Victoria Gorby, Baroness.
Major Crystal Armstrong, commander of the La Porte High School JROTC, welcomes cadets and guests to the Military Ball at Sylvan Beach Pavilion.
Members of the Military Ball Court pose for a photo following the announcement of Bryce Rowley, right, as King. From left are Philip Terry, Baron; Mark Montero, Duke; and Anthony Green, Prince.
La Porte Independent School District 1002 San Jacinto Street La Porte, Texas 77571 www.lpisd.org 281-604-7000 The Leader is a publication of the La Porte ISD Communications Department. The newsletter is published bi-weekly for the La Porte ISD community. Inquiries should be directed to Terri Cook, Director of Communications, at cookt@lpisd. org or Kimberly Culver, Communications Coordinator, at culverk@lpisd.org.
Retired U.S. Army Major Keli Chevalier speaks to cadets during the Military Ball. Chevalier, a motivational speaker, is also the former college roommate of Major Crystal Armstrong, JROTC commander.
Board of Trustees honors La Porte ISD art contest winners
Winners of La Porte ISD’s Rodeo Art Contest who advanced to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo School Art Program contest are recognized at the April 11 meeting of the La Porte ISD Board of Trustees. From left are Camilla Whitlock, principal of College Park Elementary School; Kathy Green, trustee; Mary Gagneaux, art teacher at La Porte High School; Tyler Harmon, College Park Elementary School fourth grader who won Elementary Best of Show; Phillip Hoot, trustee; David Janda, Board vice president; Brittany McWhorter, La Porte High School junior who won High School Best of Show; Charlcya Wheeler, trustee; Lois Rogerson, Board secretary; Jennifer Barker, College Park Elementary second grade teacher; Lee Wallace, trustee; Yaravi Barrasa, Lomax Junior High School art teacher; Dr. Larry Gerhart, principal of Lomax Junior High School; and Todd Schoppe, principal of La Porte High School. Not pictured are Perla Quintana, eighth grader at Lomax Junior High, who won Junior High Best of Show; and Gold Medal winners Fatima Adame Rodriguez, freshman at La Porte High School; Edyamin Hinojosa, eighth grader at Lomax Junior High School; and Valentina Suarez, first grader at La Porte Elementary School. La Porte ISD also earned the prestigious Super Show award as one of 32 districts from throughout the state deemed as having truly outstanding art shows and exhibitions.
La Porte High School art students who earned recognition at various art competitions throughout the year are honored by the La Porte ISD Board of Trustees at its April 11 meeting. In front from left are LPHS art teacher Christina Todaro, students De’Janae Bassett, Sharlee Shepard, Brittany McWhorter, Ashley Diaz, Brittney Blakemore, Kim Minseo, Margi Rathod, Ciera Luna and Miguel Cortez, and LPHS art teacher Mary Gagneaux. In back are trustees Phillip Hoot, Charlcya Wheeler and Kathy Green, Board vice president David Janda, Board secretary Lois Rogerson, trustee Lee Wallace and LPHS principal Todd Schoppe. De’Janae Bassett and Kim Minseo, along with Josselyn De Leon (not pictured) won the PBK Calendar Contest, and Ashley Diaz won the LPISD holiday card contest and earned a superior rating at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) on Feb. 4 at Dickinson High School. All other honorees pictured earned superior ratings at VASE. Not pictured are VASE winners Fatima Adame Rodriguez, Natalia Arroyo, Kayleigh Bland, Sean Deines, Josselyn De Leon, Kristen Embrey, Myah Herrera, Hailey Sheffield and Tess Wilson.
Work continues on 2014 bond projects at La Porte High School
Work continues on the exterior of the new Multi-Purpose Center on the La Porte High School campus. Part of the 2014 bond program, the facility will open with the start of the 2017-18 school year.
The construction team adds bricks to the pillars in the area overlooking the arena at the MultiPurpose Center.
Painters work on the interior of the Multi-Purpose Center, which is expected to open for the 2017-18 school year. The anticipated date for completion of field house renovations is April 2018.
Charley Conway with Gallagher Construction Services, program manager for the bond projects, and David Knowles, La Porte ISD director of safe and secure schools, look over the entrance to the new Multi-Purpose Center.
The new art and foreign language corridor at La Porte High School includes wide, bright halls.
Construction team members put up the exterior brick on the new math and science classroom building at La Porte High School.
La Porte ISD will hold registration of kindergarten students for the 2017-2018 school year May 1 through 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Children who will be five years old on or before Sept. 1 are eligible to attend kindergarten for the 20172018 school year and should be enrolled by a parent or legal guardian in the office of the elementary school to which their family is zoned. Each elementary school also will host an evening orientation and registration. In addition to receiving important information, parents and children will have the opportunity to tour the school building and meet the principal, kindergarten teachers and office staff. School spirit items also will be available for sale.
Orientation and registration locations and dates include the following: Bayshore Elementary, May 18, 5 p.m. College Park Elementary, May 18, 5 p.m. Heritage Elementary, May 16, 5 p.m. La Porte Elementary, May 18, 5 p.m. Lomax Elementary, May 18, 5:30 p.m. Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary, May 22, 5:30 p.m. Jennie Reid Elementary, May 18, 5:30 p.m.
Kindergarten registration for the 2017-18 school year to be held May 1 - 19
LPISD District Calendar
Seniors sign to run track at Central Christian College in McPherson, KS
4/27/17 - Thursday Rizzuto Elementary - Papa John’s spirit night LPJH - Orchestra - Spring Concert - 6 PM -Cafeteria LPHS - Bulldogs Softball Playoff vs. Kingwood - 6:30 PM LPHS - ROTC Awards Ceremony - 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Lecture Hall 4/28/17 - Friday Heritage Elementary - First Grade Field Trip to Children’s Museum Heritage Elementary - Student of the Month - 8 AM - 8:30 AM Jennie Reid Elementary - Student of the Month & College Assembly 7:15 AM 8:00 AM - Library Rizzuto Elementary - Rocket of the Month - 7:20 AM - 7:50 AM - Library 4/29/17 - Saturday Sylvan Beach Parade 5/5/17 - Friday La Porte Elementary - 2nd grade field trip to Moody Gardens 5/6/17 - Saturday Board of Trustees Election - 7 AM - 7 PM 5/8/17 - Monday STAAR TESTING- No Visitors La Porte Elementary - CiCi’s Pizza Spirit Night - 2 PM - 9 PM - Deer Park location LPHS - Scholarship Program - 6 PM - 9 PM - Sonja Angelo Theater
La Porte High School senior Nelly O’Campo signs a letter of intent to run track at Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas, this fall. Congratulating her are LPHS girls track coach Ashley Stewart; her mother, Ruth O’Campo; and LPHS head girls track coach Carolina Rodriguez.
5/9/17 - Tuesday STAAR TESTING- No Visitors LPHS - ELL Parent Meeting - 6 PM - 7 PM - Student Center Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - 7 PM - 1002 San Jacinto St. 5/10/17 - Wednesday STAAR TESTING- No Visitors This is the calendar information that is available at press time. Please refer to the La Porte ISD district calendar at www.lpisd.org for changes and additional information.
La Porte ISD introduces new smart phone app for parents, citizens Want to know what’s going on in La Porte ISD? Head to Apple’s App Store (iPhone*) or Google Play (Android) and download our newest interactive communications tool. The app design is a collaboration between the district’s Communications Department and Edlio, Inc., the company that hosts La Porte ISD’s home on the internet. It is free to download and use. Whether the user is seeking information on school events or desiring to make contact with someone in the district, it’s all available through the app. In fact, everything at lpisd.org is accessible through the app with just a tap, or two. As a bonus, users who enable push notifications will be among the first to know the news coming out of La Porte ISD. To locate our app, search La Porte ISD in the appropriate app store. *- The iOS version of the app has been tested and also works on the iPad.
LA PORTE
Important Dates Aug. 2 - 4 — Executive Retreat Aug. 10 — LPISD Wellness Fair Aug. 17 — Breakfast with the Stars Aug. 21 — Convocation Aug. 22 — First Day of Instruction - 9th Grade Aug. 23 — First Day of Instruction - PreK - 8th, 10-12 Grades Oct. 5 — Parent Conferences - Elementary Feb. 15 — Parent Conferences - Secondary Feb. 19 — Inclement Weather Make-up Day May 24 — Last Day of Instruction May 25 — LPHS Graduation May 25 — Inclement Weather Make-up Day Jun. 4 - Jul. 27, 2018 — District Four Day Work Week
Staff and Student Holidays
July 4 — Independence Day Sept. 4 — Labor Day Nov. 20 - 24 — Thanksgiving Break Dec. 22 - Jan. 5 — Winter Break Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Mar. 12 - 16 — Spring Break Mar. 30 — Good Friday May 28 — Memorial Day
Professional Development / Student Holidays Aug. 7 - 8 — New Teacher Pre-service Aug. 9 - 22 — Professional Development Oct. 9 — Professional Development Jan. 8 — Teacher Workday Feb. 19 — Professional Development May 25 - 31 — Professional Development/ Teacher Workday
School Times Elementary — 7:40 AM - 3:15 PM Baker/Junior High 6-8 — 8:15 AM - 3:50 PM High School — 7:10 AM - 2:45 PM
Early Dismissal Elementary — 7:40 AM - 12:00 PM Baker/Junior High 6-8 — 8:15 AM - 12:30 PM High School — 7:10 AM - 11:20 AM
Brandon Robbins, a member of the La Porte High School track team, will run track at Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas, next year. Looking on as he signs a letter of commitment on April 21 are Brandon’s grandfather, Jim Pentico; his mother, Dawn Pentico; and his track coach, Zach Johnson.
I N D E P E N D E N T S C H OO L DISTRICT 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 C ALEN DA R July 2017 S
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H 5 6 7 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28
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October 2017 S
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September 2017
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November 2017 T
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3 4 EC E 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27)28 31
S M T W T F S 1 2 3] 4 5 [6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 H H H H H 25 26 27 28 29 30
February 2018
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August 2017
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December 2017 S
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Justin Castillo, senior on the La Porte High School track team, will join several of his LPHS classmates in running for Central Christian College in McPherson, Kansas, this fall. Celebrating his accomplishments are his parents, Sonny and Becky Castillo, and his LPHS track coach, Zach Johnson.
March 2018 T
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1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 SC S] 17 21 22 23 24 28
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Secondary Semester Exams Dec. 18 - 21, 2017 May 25, 2018 May 21 - 24, 2018
April 2018 S
State Assessment Dates Apr. 3 - 5, 2018 May. 7 - 11, 2018 Jun. 25 - 29, 2018 Student Days
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May 2018
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Total Number of Student Days 170
Every Student's Success is Our #1 Priority Printed by LPISD Communications
Board Approved 4/11/17
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First Day of Instruction - 9th Grade Secondary Grading Period Begins Elementary Grading Period Begins Secondary Grading Period Ends Elementary Grading Period Ends State Assessment Dates
Parent Conferences Early Dismissal - Elementary Early Dismissal - Secondary H Holiday NT New Teacher Training * Inclement Weather Make-up Day P Professional Development/Teacher Workday C
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The La Porte Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Title IX Coordinator is Angela Garza-Viator, Executive Director of Human Resources, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7113. The Section 504 Coordinator is Cynthia Anderson, Executive Director of Special Programs, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7034. El Distrito Independiente Escolar de La Porte no discrimina sobre la base de edad, raza, religión, color, origen nacional, sexo u discapacidad para proveer servicios educacionales, actividades y programas, incluyendo programas vocacionales, de acuerdo con el Título VI del Acta de Derechos Civiles de 1964, como fue enmendada; Título IX de las Enmiendas Educacionales de 1972; Sección 504 del Acta de Rehabilitación de 1973, como fue enmendada; y el Título II del Acta de Americanos con Discapacidades. La Coordinadora del Título IX es Angela GarzaViator, Directora Ejecutiva de Recursos Humanos,1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Teléfono (281) 604-7113. La Coordinadora de la Sección 504 es la Cynthia Anderson, Directora Ejecutiva de Programas Especiales, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Teléfono (281) 604-7034.
La Porte High School senior Savon Bright signs a letter of intent to run track for the Central Christian College Tigers next year. The college is located in McPherson, Kansas. Congratulating him on this achievement are Zach Johnson, LPHS boys track coach; Pat Scott, Savon’s grandmother, and Carolina Rodriguez, LPHS girls track coach.