THE LEADER September 28, 2017
La Porte Independent School District Every Student’s Success Is Our #1 Priority
Waiver approved for instructional days missed due to Hurricane Harvey The La Porte ISD Board of Trustees on Sept. 12 approved the Texas Education Agency waiver for school days missed due to Hurricane Harvey. This means that LPISD will be credited for the seven days that students were out of school due to the storm. The updated calendar is available on the “Calendars” link of the LPISD website, lpisd.org. The district considered the large amount of instructional time that was missed and decided to change the half-days that were on the district calendar to full instructional days. These dates include Oct. 5 and 6 (which were previously halfdays for elementary students only), Dec. 21, Feb. 15 and 16 (which were previously half-days for secondary students only) and May 24. With the waiver and the change of half-days to full days, LPISD exceeds the requirement for students to have 75,600 minutes of instructional time each year. Feb. 19 and May 25 will remain as inclement weather make-up days if needed.
Another consideration in changing the half-days to full days is that if school has to be closed again for inclement weather, these additional minutes of instructional time might keep the district from having to use the inclement weather days for instruction. Fall parent conferences for elementary school students, which were originally planned for the afternoon of Oct. 5, will now be the afternoon of Oct. 9, which is a professional development day for La Porte ISD staff and a holiday for students. Teachers will contact parents to set up these conferences. To help families as they recover from Hurricane Harvey, La Porte ISD will offer free tray breakfasts and lunches to students through the end of October. During the month of September, the dress code was “recovery casual”; the district will go back to its regular dress code beginning Oct. 2. Parents who need assistance with clothes, supplies, etc., are asked to contact their child’s school counselor.
Annual Health & Safety Fair held at La Porte High School Sept. 23
Conner Denham pets Watson, a search dog from Alpha Search and Rescue, with trainer Erin Sziy looking on. Representatives from Alpha were among the many vendors at the Health and Safety Fair held at La Porte High School on Sept. 23.
Rylan Denham, a kindergartner at College Park Elementary School, enjoys the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a fire truck at the Health and Safety Fair. Emergency vehicles from the city of La Porte and local industries were on display in the senior parking lot of La Porte High School during the fair.
Alondra Salinas, left, and Arianna Mendiola, both seniors at La Porte High School, pass out T-shirts at the Health and Safety Fair on Sept. 23. The first 500 children received a free T-shirt at the fair, which was sponsored by the city of La Porte, the Local Emergency Planning Committee and La Porte ISD.
A wide variety of emergency response vehicles were on display in the parking lot of La Porte High School during the La Porte Health and Safety Fair. The vehicles were brought to the fair courtesy of the city of La Porte as well as local industries. See more photos of the Safety Fair on page 5.
La Porte ISD students and faculty help the community after Hurricane Harvey
Members of the La Porte High School Interact Club clean up debris from Hurricane Harvey at La Porte’s Seabreeze Park on Sept. 24. They were joined in the effort by several members of the Rotary Club of La Porte. Members of the Interact Club are also collecting pet supplies for families in the area that may have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Donations of wet or dry cat and dog food, toys, collars, treats, water and food bowls and other pet supplies may be taken to the front office of La Porte High School.
La Porte High School agriculture students and FFA and La Porte Young Farmers members, along with the La Porte Rodeo Association, work with the Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension Office to create a dry spot for livestock at the Lomax Arena. According to La Porte High School agriculture teacher Carrie Estrems, donations were received from all over the United States, with more than 30,000 pounds of feed, dozens of round bales and hundreds of square bales of hay, and pallets of dog and cat food. See more photos of help after Hurricane Harvey on page 5.
LPHS boys cross country earns silver at Deer Park Invitational Sept. 15 The La Porte High School boys cross country team placed second at the Deer Park Invitational Meet on Sept. 15, edged out of the first place spot by the host team by three points. Thirty teams competed at the meet. The LPHS junior varsity team earned fifth place, and the freshman team won first place. “This was great step toward our goal of a district championship and beyond,” said Zach Johnson, head boys cross country coach at LPHS. “We also had individual runners win each division.” Ryan Schoppe led the Bulldogs with a first-place finish of 15:39, followed by Brandon Large in fifth place with a time of 16:22. Other varsity team members and their times include Tony Munoz, 11th place, 16:34; Rowdy Menefee, 17th, 16:51; Tyler Large, 25th, 17:13; Kevin Yanez, 36th, 17:32; and William Menefee, 63rd, 18:04.
Francisco Rodriguez placed first in the junior varsity division with a time of 18:04, and Isaac Ramirez closely followed with a fourth-place finish of 18:16. Other competitors were Aron Garza, 19:37; David Ayers, 19:55; Lucas Guerro, 20:19; Jacob Hernandez, 20:20; Tyler Lukenbaugh, 20:44; Cameron O’Donel, 20:48; Adrian Rodriguez, 20:56; Austin Ware, 21:58; Mathew Silva, 22:01; Travis Vargo, 22:51; Antonio Aguilera, 23:54; and Alfredo Sanchez, 25:46. In the freshman division two-mile race, four LPHS team members placed among the top 10. Nick Gracias was the first place winner with a time of 11:25, followed by Alviery Yanez in second with 11:38. Joe Sheffield placed fifth with 11:46, and Andrew Cornett placed seventh with 12:01. Also contributing to the win were Nicholas Calderas, 14:52; Seth Fontenot, 17:31; and Andrew Thomas, 17:33.
Former La Porte High School coach, football player named to the UT Hall of Honor football player and became the starting center midway through his sophomore season. With Wiegand as the lynchpin of the offensive line in the Wishbone offense in 1968 and 1969, the Longhorns carved out a record of 20-11, including a National Championship, two Southwest Conference titles and two Super Bowl victories. After spending a year as a graduate assistant coach at UT, Wiegand worked three years as an assistant coach at Austin Westlake before moving to La Porte, where he became one of the most beloved figures in La Porte High School history. Wiegand, who retired from coaching after 29 years at LPHS, led the team to nine playoff appearances in 15 years as a head coach. After retiring from teaching several years ago, he returned to LPHS as a teacher in 2015. A three-year starter and two-time AllBig 12 performer, Shaun Rogers was one of the most productive defensive linemen in Texas history and went on to a highly successful tenure in the NFL. He teamed up with 2014 Hall of Honor inductee Casey Hampton to form one of the most dominant defensive tackle tandems Former La Porte High School Football coach Forrest Wiegand La Porte High School 1997 graduate Shaun Rogers in UT and Big 12 history. That duo each earned Two former La Porte High School Bulldogs – one a respected football coach and first-team all-Big 12 honors in 1999, becoming first Texas DT tandem since 1971 to the other a standout football player – have been named to the University of Texas at accomplish that feat. Rogers, a 1997 graduate of La Porte High School, was a second-round draft pick Austin’s Longhorn Hall of Honor. Forrest Wiegand, who coached the Bulldogs for more than a decade, was (61st overall) of the Detroit Lions and went on to play 13 NFL seasons, mostly as honored as a Vintage Selection for his success as a center on the 1968 and 1969 a starter, earning three Pro Bowl appearances. He played in 163 career NFL games Texas Longhorns teams. Shaun Rogers, a 1997 La Porte High School graduate, was with 130 starts, registering 513 tackles and 37.5 sacks. He also made a significant selected to the Hall for his prowess as a three-year starting defensive lineman for the impact on special teams in the NFL, blocking 11 kicks and accomplishing a rare feat for a DT—returning a fumble and interception for a touchdown during his career. Longhorns between 1998 and 2000. Full bios are available on the La Porte ISD website, lpisd.org. Photos and bios Wiegand was the center for the 1969 National Champion University of Texas football team. A native of Edna, Texas, Wiegand went to UT as an all-around are courtesy of texassports.com/University of Texas Athletics Department.
Bayshore Elementary holds “Happening After Harvey” for students Sept. 8
Cassondra Laird, left, fourth grade teacher at Bayshore Elementary School, builds a tower with fourth graders Zachary Cates, Colton Lynch, Aiden Saenz and Chance Hughes during the “Happening After Harvey” event on Sept. 8. Students enjoyed the time for fun activities with their teachers after school, giving parents a few more hours to take care of errands and clean-up or repairs at home.
The La Porte Education Foundation has extended the due date of 2017 - 18 Grant Applications. The new due date is Friday, October 6, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
Casey Dixon, second from left, teacher/interventionist at Bayshore Elementary School, joins students in making artwork using pipe cleaners during the Sept. 8 “Happening after Harvey” event. With her, from left, are Destiny Curbello, Mikaela Parker and Savannah Jensen, all fourth graders at Bayshore. The event, which was held on Friday after students returned to school on Wednesday, gave children the chance to play and visit with one another after school, allowing their parents some free time to take care of other tasks.
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.
Bayshore Elementary School fifth grader Abigail Schreiner draws on the “graffiti wall,” which was just one of the stations students enjoyed during the “Happening After Harvey” event on Sept. 8. La Porte ISD students returned to school after Hurricane Harvey on Sept. 6, and the campus held the activities that Friday evening.
Students and community enjoy the Health & Safety Fair cont. from page 3
Jeff Lindner with the Harris County Flood Control District passes out information and giveaway items to attendees at the La Porte Health and Safety Fair held on Sept. 23 at La Porte High School. The annual event is sponsored by the city of La Porte, La Porte Emergency Planning Committee and La Porte ISD.
Elizabeth Reynaga, a fourth grader at La Porte Elementary School, has the chance to use the Children enjoy the chance to play on the rock-climbing wall during the La Porte Health and foam fire hose with the help of AkzoNobel staff member Dustin Grantham. Representatives Safety Fair, which was sponsored by the city of La Porte, the Local Emergency Planning from area industries were on hand with a variety of demonstrations for those in attendance. Committee and La Porte ISD.
La Porte ISD students and faculty help the community cont. from page 3
Lomax Junior High School teachers rally around their colleague, Kirsti Bostick, right, after her home flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Immediately after the storm, they showed up to help clean up and start repairs. With her are, from left, are Misty Hollon, Jared Lucas and Blake Minor. This is just one of the many stories of how La Porte ISD staff members and students reached out to help others in the aftermath of the inclement weather and flooding that impacted La Porte and many other parts of the Houston area.
La Porte High School students, from left, Michelle Nguyen, Alondra Salinas, James Williamson and Esmeralda Torres were among the LPHS Interact Club members who participated in the Rotary Books for the World sorting project sponsored by Rotary District 5890. The books will be sent to Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, The Phillippines, Rwanda, Syria and South Sudan. The group also worked to clean up La Porte’s Seabreeze Park on Sept. 24. In addition, the Interact Club is gathering donations for pets to help families recover after Hurricane Harvey. Members are collecting wet and dry food for cats and dogs as well as toys, collars, food and water bowls, treats and more. Items may be dropped off at the front office of La Porte High School.
La Porte High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) volunteer their time to help sort donations at First Baptist Church of Pasadena following Hurricane Harvey. For three days, the students organized donated clothes to prepare for families who needed them. From left are HOSA members Lindsey Loftin and Maya Deconge with sponsor Robin Guimbellot.
La Porte ISD School Resource Officer honored at City Council meeting Sept. 18
Long-time La Porte Police Department school resource officer Sgt. Matt Novosad was recently awarded the second Crime Stoppers of Houston Superhero Sidekick Award for his commitment and leadership. Novosad was surprised by the honor at the Sept. 18 La Porte City Council meeting, where he received a standing ovation. He has been with LPPD for more than 17 years and has been presented with numerous awards during his time here.
LPISD District Calendar 9/28/17 - Thursday Heritage Elementary - Reading Night @ Barnes and Noble - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Fairmont Parkway location Baker - Open House - 6 PM LPJH - Volleyball vs. Fairmont - 4:30 PM - 6 PM LXJH - 7th grade Girls Volleyball vs Deepwater - 4:30 PM LXJH - 8th grade Girls Volleyball @ Deepwater - 4:30 PM LPHS - Boys Cross Country @ Northwest Park - 9:30 AM LPHS - Girls Cross Country @ P Street Park - 9 AM LPHS - JV Football @ Sam Rayburn - 4:30 PM
Coahoma school district raises funds for Hurricane Harvey relief
9/29/17 - Friday Rizzuto Elementary - JSC Deposit Day - 7:20 AM - 7:50 AM Rizzuto Elementary - Rocket of the Month - 7:20 AM - 7:50 AM LPHS - Volleyball @ Pasadena Sam Rayburn - 6:30 PM LPHS - Varsity Football vs. Sam Rayburn (TIFI Night) - 7 PM 9/30/17 - Saturday LPHS - Boys Cross Country @ Old Settlers Park, Round Rock - 9 AM 10/2/17 - Monday LPHS - Cross Country @ La Porte High School - 7 PM 10/3/17 - Tuesday LPJH - 7th Grade Football @ Fairmont - 4:30 PM - A - Away; B - Home LXJH - 7th Grade Football vs. Deepwater - 4:30 PM - A - Home; B - Away LPHS - Student Pictures - 9th Grade - Student Center LPHS - Varsity Tennis vs. South Houston - 3 PM LPHS - Volleyball vs. Pasadena Memorial - 6:30 PM 10/4/17 - Wednesday LPJH - 8th Grade Football @ Fairmont - 4:30 PM - A - Away; B - Home LXJH - 8th Grade Football vs. Deepwater - 4:30 PM - A - Home; B - Away LPHS - Student Pictures 10th and 11th Grade - Student Center 10/5/17 - Thursday LXJH - 7th grade Volleyball @ Pearland South - 4:30 PM LXJH - 8th grade Volleyball vs. Pearland South - 4:30 PM LPHS - JV Football vs. South Houston - 4:30 PM 10/6/17 - Friday LPHS - Varsity Tennis @ Dobie - 3 PM LPHS - Volleyball @ Pasadena - 6:30 PM
Coahoma High School cheerleaders and varsity football players displaying a large check symbolizing the funds raised. Photo courtesy of Coahoma ISD Communications Department.
The Bulldogs from Coahoma High School in Coahoma ISD reached out to our La Porte Bulldogs with news of a generous donation to help with Hurricane Harvey relief. Though Coahoma is almost 500 miles northwest of La Porte, students and staff bridged the gap between the two communities by extending a helping hand after hearing about how the storm devastated the Houston area. The Coahoma Elementary School Student Council initiated a coin drive and Hat Day fundraiser in which students and staff paid $1 to wear hats during school. As of Sept. 18, the district had raised over $2,200 to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in La Porte.
Dysinger Elementary School supports La Porte ISD after Hurricane Harvey
10/7/17 - Saturday LPHS - Varsity Football @ South Houston - 1 PM - Veterans Memorial Stadium 10/9/17 - Monday Professional Development/Student Holiday Parent/Teacher Conferences - 12 PM - 4 PM - Elementary campuses only 10/10/17 - Tuesday LPJH - 7th Grade Football- Pearland West - 4:30 PM - A - Home; B - Away LXJH - 7th Grade Football @ Pearland South - 4:30 PM - A - Away B - Home LPHS - Varsity Tennis vs. Sam Rayburn - 3 PM LPHS - Volleyball @ Beaumont West Brook - 6:30 PM LPHS - Choir Concert - 7 PM - Sonja Angelo Theater Board of Trustees - Regular Meeting - 7 PM - 1002 San Jacinto St. 10/11/17 - Wednesday LPJH - 8th Grade Football- Pearland West - 4:30 PM - A - Home; B - Away LXJH - 8th Grade Football @ Pearland South - 4:30 PM - A - Away; B - Home LPHS - PSAT Test for 10th Grade - PEC Center 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 Elementary Parent Conferences Monday, Oct. 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Teachers will contact parents to set up conferences. Oct. 9 is a professional development day for staff and a holiday for students. (Conferences were previously set for the afternoon of Oct. 5. Oct. 5 - 6 are now full instructional days.)
Students at La Porte Elementary School show cards and letters sent to La Porte ISD from students at Dysinger Elementary School in Buena Park, California, to show their support after Hurricane Harvey. The Dysinger students had spent the week learning about kindness and wanted to reach out to students in Texas with letters of kindness. They also raised funds to help children impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Displaying just some of the cards are, from left, Marissa Vasquez, Erin Van Selous, Makaylah Gonzalez and Ryan Lensing. Marissa and Ryan are first graders at La Porte Elementary, while Makaylah and Erin are fifth graders.
St. James Parish Science and Math Academy raises funds for Lomax Elem.
Visit the “Calendars” tab at lpisd.org for the updated calendar.
La Porte High School students and parents can sign up for Remind
La Porte High School students and their parents have the opportunity to receive push notifications with important information they need to know by signing up for the LPHS Remind account. Those who have smartphones may receive push notifications by opening their web browser and going to the following link: rmd.at/lphsparstu. Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind. You will be prompted to download the mobile app. Those who do not have smartphones may get text notifications by texting @ lphsparstu to the number 81010. If you’re having trouble with 81010, try texting @ lphsparstu to (432) 558-6093. Standard text message rates will apply. If you don’t have a mobile phone, you can go to rmd.at/lphsparstu on a desktop computer to sign up for email notifications.
Students from the St. James Parish Science and Math Academy in Vacherie, Louisiana, raised $1,200 for Lomax Elementary School to help students whose families were affected by Hurricane Harvey. A childhood friend of Denise Pool, second grade teacher at Lomax Elementary, helped organize the effort, with the fund raiser as part of the school’s annual Spirit Games. During the Spirit Games, the Class of 2018 chose to donate the proceeds of their “Penny Wars” to two Texas schools, including Lomax Elementary.