3 February | March 2017
PinPointe Magazine
3
4 August | September 2022
PinPointe Magazine
4
Contents ON THE COVER: The Warudkar Family Photo Credit: Shivam Naik, Shiv Photography
Serving the Community of Cypress Creek Lakes
8
8
Warudkar Family Brings Culture and Adventure to Cypress
12 Cypress Happenings
14
18
17 Ask the Doc: Colon Cancer 18 Playing Together
14 Best of Cy-Fair: Mango Tree Thai Bistro
20 Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity Unites Community Through Food and Fellowship
15 Stuck in the Middle
22 Cypress School News
16 Canine Corner
PinPointe Magazine
7
PINPOINTE RESIDENT PROFILE
Warudkar Family Brings Culture and Adventure to Cypress Story by Patricia Hudson | Photos by Shivam Naik - Shiv Photography
A
chance Facebook post offering a child’s basketball goal and a subsequent donation led PinPointe Magazine to the home of Cypress Creek Lakes couple, Sumedh and Pooja Warudkar. We decided to delve into the lives of this adventurous pair. Sumedh and Pooja, where did the two of you grow up? Sumedh: I grew up in India. In 2007, I moved to Texas to do my PhD at Rice University. Pooja: I am from Oman, a country in the Middle East, and Western Asia. (Oman shares a border with the Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen). After spending my entire childhood there, I moved to India for my undergrad where Sumedh and I met. I did my undergrad work in computer science, then moved to Florida.
8 August | September 2022
What are your favorite childhood memories? Sumedh: I remember long road trips with family across central and western India, eating at the local restaurants, and listening to a lot of music! Pooja: My favorite childhood memories were traveling with my family. One summer, we had the opportunity to go to Singapore and Malaysia. I enjoyed the great food, seeing a lot of animals and having an immense amount of fun. Where did you attend college? What was your major? Sumedh: I did my Undergrad work in Chemical Engineering, NITK Surathkal, in India. I received my PhD degree in Chemical Engineering at Rice University.
Pooja: I earned my undergrad degree in Computer Engineering, from NITK Surathkal, in India. I was awarded my MS Electrical and Computer Science degree from the University of Florida. What career path did you follow? Sumedh: Initially, I worked as a Research Engineer, then as an Economist and Supply Chain Manager at Shell. Pooja: I worked at Research in Motion, (Blackberry), while doing my grad studies. Upon graduation, I moved to Texas and joined a startup which focused on providing the best rates of utilities to consumers via an online platform. When the start-up was acquired and moved headquarters to Atlanta, I joined Deloitte as an ecommerce consultant and have been there for the last 7 years.
Our children are our pride and joy. Tell us about your child. Pooja: Our daughter, Tanaya Warudkar, is four years old; she loves to play with dolls, the Snakes and Ladders game, listen to music and dance. What lessons about life do you feel are the most important to teach your daughter? Pooja: Be a good person. Be kind and hardworking. If you are good to other people, they are good to you. Give everything you do your 100%. Follow your dreams always and keep smiling! What roles do your culture and customs play in your everyday lives? Being hospitable and helping our neighbors, family and friends is a very important part of Indian culture and something really important that sticks to us.
PinPointe Magazine
9
Do you have any hobbies or hidden talents? Sumedh: I am an avid runner and cyclist, having completed several MS-150 rides. I once biked from Houston to New Orleans, 550 miles over 6 days. I love to travel and explore. Pooja: I love arts and crafts, as well as photography! I also love to travel. Family time is usually spent... Pooja: Playing games, listening to music, singing, and cooking. We have three pets at home: Snickers and Kisses, our 10-yearold cats, and our three-year-old beagle, Twix. They keep us busy! Our favorite travel destination is... Pooja: Iceland! We visited Iceland in 2015. We spent some really good time there, and were able to see the Northern Lights. We plan to travel there again soon, along with Tanaya, to show her some of the beautiful sights there!
10 August | September 2022
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Towne Lake, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please contact me: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
PinPointe Magazine
11
Cypress
HAPPENINGS
Bridgeland Community Friday Night Bites 2nd Friday of the month: August 12 & September 9, 2022 • 6-10pm Lakeland Village Center • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX Grab your lawn chairs and enjoy great food truck fare and live music!
Ranch Roundup Friday, August 19, 2022 • 6:30-9pm Cypress Ranch High School - Back Parking Lot 10700 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Community Event: ALL ages WELCOME! Food Trucks, Free Games, Pep Rally and More!!
Cypress Ranch Cheerleading Clinic Saturday, August 27, 2022 • 9am-Noon Cypress Ranch High School • 10700 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 The Cy-Ranch cheerleaders are hosting a clinic for kids K through 6th. Sign up for a fun day of cheers, dances and jumps! $50 for Clinic. $70 for VIP Experience including Clinic and JV football game performance on 9-8-22. Sign up at: bit.ly/cypressranchcheer
Dewberry Farm 2022 Fall Festival Opens September 4, 2022 77045 FM 362 @ Morrison Road • Brookshire, TX 77423 Over 40+ Attractions to enjoy during Fall! www.dewberryfarm.com
Cy-Fair Women’s Club Shop ’til You Drop Saturday, September 10, 2022 • 9am-5pm Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433 Sponsored by MD Anderson Cancer Center Mark your calendar to attend this unique shopping extravaganza! Free Admission! Vendor Marketplace with over 250 vendors. No strollers or wagons permitted. www.cyfairwomensclub.org
Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes Saturday, October 15, 2022 Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing Dr. • Cypress, TX 77433 5K & 10K Timed Run/Walk, Kid's 1K Run Walk Race starts at 8am, Kid's 1K starts at 9am 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Trophy for 5K & 10K, Shirt and Hand Towel for all Runners. Register at: www.blrunforheroes2022.eventbrite.com
I M P O RTA N T C F I S D DAT E S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Monday, August 22, 2022 STUDENT HOLIDAYS: Monday, Sept. 5 & Monday, Sept. 26, 2022
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com. And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
12 August | September 2022
PinPointe Magazine
13
Mango Tree Thai Bistro
The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT
by Patricia Hudson
T
ai Phoket left Thailand in 2013, with little more than her five-year-old son. This single mom dreamed of a better life for her young child. When her roommate stole her savings, Tai was desperate. Then she met someone from Bayou City Fellowship Church. “I was Buddhist, and didn’t know anything about God, but they told me to pray. I told God, ‘I don’t know who you are, but I need help.’ Someone wrote a check and we were saved!” Tai was embraced by the church, was baptized, and has become an active member of BCF. She has been enrolled in the English as a Second Language program at the church for four years; in May, she became an American Citizen. “I was so happy because my son and I can stay here and have a good life,” she says. “He is in middle school, now. He is in the orchestra and is a good student,” she says proudly. In 2018, Tai went into the restaurant business with a partner, but by 2019, she became the sole owner of The Mango Tree Thai Bistro. Located in a small strip shopping center, the restaurant is a hidden treasure for Thai food lovers. “I love Thai food, and this really is one of my favorite places for Chicken Yellow Curry," says Gail Mayers. Authentic dishes, fresh ingredients, generous servings, and excellent service attracts customers from around Harris County. Thai food lovers like Lisa Kelly can determine the degree of spicyness they like in their meals. “Customers can choose from six levels, from no spice to Thai Hot,” explains the owner. “The spicier, the better!” comments Kelly as she devours her Ka Pao Basil, a stir-fried meat of your choice with onions, peppers, and green beans, served with Jasmine Rice. The most popular dish on the menu also happens to be Tai’s favorite goto meal, Pad Thai, stir-fried thin rice noodles with chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu, egg, onions, bean sprouts and ground peanuts in a special sweet sauce. On my recent mid-day visit to Mango Tree Bistro, I ordered the Chef’s Specialty of Thai Pepper Steak with a side of Jasmine Rice. To my delight, I learned that lunch, (11am – 3pm), comes with soup of the day, house salad with peanut dressing, and a fried spring roll. Tai also brought out a tray of steamed chicken
dumplings for me to try. It was a good thing that I hadn’t eaten that morning because (I am almost ashamed to say) I ate every last morsel of my lunch! The Pepper Steak was a perfect balance of beef, peppers, and yellow and green onions. I was especially enamored with the Thai Hot and Sour Soup; prepared Chinese style, with bits of tofu, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, egg, cilantro, green onions, fried garlic and black pepper, I am tempted to order a bowlful, along with a glass of her special Thai Tea on my next visit. I can’t complete this review without my favorite dessert: Fresh Mango with Sweet Rice. Talk about delicious! What a wonderful way to finish a meal! Tai is the consummate hostess, and makes every effort to create a pleasant dining experience. Life as a restaurant owner is not easy. Prices continue to escalate. “I used to buy Coconut Milk for $40; now I have to pay $80,” shares Tai. “I have not raised my prices, but I am afraid that I will have to. I appreciate all of the customers that come to Mango Tree. I am very happy that my church friends come to meet and eat at my restaurant!”
14 August | September 2022
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
Mango Tree Thai Bistro 10130 Grant Road #224 • Houston, TX 77070 (281) 897-8646 • mangotreethaibistro.com
WE ARE HALFWAY THROUGH 2022.
pivot where ya need to.
TIME TO STAY ON TRACK, OR PIVOT.
Turns out I am not at my one book a month goal. I underestimated how busy this season of my life would be. This is still something I want to achieve, so I am going to shift my focus to audiobooks since I find myself stuck in traffic multiple times in one day. I am not giving up on the goal, just a tiny adjustment to help make sure I can achieve it!
I am not sure if the last 6 months have flown by, or if they have been painfully slow. Some days it feels like a mix of both. We are halfway through this year, so in a perfect world (which we are soo close to living in) we should be making good headway with our goals for this year. Now let’s get back to reality. I am nervous to even look at my vision board because if I am being honest, it has been a minute. But the year is not over and there is plenty of time to get back on track! for those of you that are going strong, and sticking to your goals and achievements and crushing your resolutions, I am sooo proud of you!! You deserve all of the applause and recognition!! Now is the perfect time for you to take a quick glance and see where you are, if you are ahead of schedule, and if you can add a few more goals to finish out the year strong...for the rest of us... celebrate the small wins. I was very optimistic about my fitness journey this year, and I am definitely NOT at my 3-4 days a week goal, BUT I have to acknowledge and appreciate the fact that I signed up for a gym and have been going more than once a month...I would say once a week (ish). So rather than beat myself up, I am going to place a friendly reminder post it note on my bathroom mirror to keep that goal top of mind.
you might surprise yourself. FULL DISCLOSURE when I said I was nervous to look at my vision board, that was the absolute truth. Do you know what? The beauty of adding any and everything to your vision board is that you might just do some of the things you forgot you put on there! I am excited to add some stickers and cross off the super random goals, and dreams that I totally forgot about. be kind to yourself. This season has not been easy for a lot of you. I have seen a ton of unexpected loss, tough diagnosis, and just exhaustion in our community circle. The fact that some of you are still here, showing up, and doing your best is MORE than enough. If you have the mental space to even go back to those original resolutions that is great, but if you are maxed out and just barely breathing, my friends, please don’t add another thing on your plate. Take care of yourself, your community needs you.
PinPointe Magazine
15
By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
Canine Corner Chance
C
hance, this fragile four-month old puppy, was surrendered to a high kill shelter with a severe case of mange and kennel cough. When Chance arrived in his foster home he had scabs, open wounds, severe hair loss, matting from excessive scratching, and his secondary skin infection caused a foul smell. Vet care put him on a regimented schedule to heal his skin and restore his coat of fur. His bare skin showed his ribs, indicating he was under weight, too.
As Chance's outside started to heal, his activity level perked up and he began to learn basic commands: sit, shake, lay down. Rehab focused on socialization. Despite loving the affection from his foster family, he was reactive to new people with nudging, barking and typical herding nipping behaviors. After a month, Chance began to successfully socialize with the three dogs in his foster home. He learned “how to dog” by respecting boundaries and signs the other dogs gave him. The pack has taught him that tug-o-war isn't really a war, but a game. Now, Chance wags his tail at newcomers and loves a playful game of chase with doggy friends. Chance is ready for his forever home. Do you have a place in your home and heart for this precious pup? Border Collie Rescue and Rehab began in 2014, and has saved nearly 1,000 Border Collies or BC mixes, with nearly 50 currently in foster homes across Texas. Volunteers pull dogs from shelters, off the streets, pick up owner surrenders, and help transport them via car rides and just recently, began flying them back to Texas to a foster home. Dogs are fostered for a minimum of 30 days, making sure that they are both physically and emotionally healthy before being adopted.
16 August | September 2022
Border Collie Rescue and Rehab bc.rescue.rehab@gmail.com www.facebook.com/BCRRT www.bcrrt.com
ASK THE DOC:
COLON CANCER It’s predicted that about 106,000 new cases of colon cancer and 45,000 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022. The rates of Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG Gastro Doxs being diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer is on the decline, primarily because colorectal cancer screening is being heavily prioritized through colonoscopies. Colon cancer usually begins as precancerous polyps. These polyps are not cancerous themselves, but the cells can morph into cancer later on. If polyps are detected during a colonoscopy, Dr. Pothuri can remove them and prevent them from causing you future harm. Gastroenterologist, Dr. Bharat Pothuri, at GastroDoxs in Houston, Texas, recommends you get a colonoscopy when you’ve reached certain points in your life. He may also recommend the procedure to diagnose conditions other than colon cancer or precancerous polyps.
When do I need a colon cancer screening? It’s time for a colonoscopy if: • You’re older than 45 • You have a personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps • You have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, especially if a first-degree relative was diagnosed before age 50 • African-American descent
What are some risk factors for colorectal cancer? • Low-fiber diet • High fat diet • Sedentary lifestyle • Diabetes
• Obesity • Smoking • Alcohol intake
What are other reasons I might need a colonoscopy? There may be other reasons to order a colonoscopy because you’re at increased risk of developing colon cancer. Your screenings may need to begin earlier than age 45 and happen more frequently. These could be signs of colon cancer and require a thorough investigation for you to get an accurate diagnosis. You may also need a colonoscopy if you’re showing unusual symptoms, such as: • Bloody stools • Rectal bleeding • Unexpected weight loss • Abdominal pain • Weakness or fatigue • Incomplete bowel emptying • Major changes in your bowel habits such as gas, pain, constipation, diarrhea
What health conditions require earlier or more frequent screenings? • History of an inflammatory bowel disease • Personal history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer • Ulcerative Colitis • Crohn’s Disease • Previous radiation therapy for cancer • Inherited family syndromes related to colorectal cancer These factors put you at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Your likelihood of beating cancer or avoiding it altogether is much greater if you get screened. Don’t wait for signs of colon cancer to get screened! Most cases of colon cancer have no symptoms.
To find out more about whether or not you’re in need of a colonoscopy contact Gastro Doxs today at 832.632.4070 or book an appointment online at gastrodox.com. Dr. Pothuri and his team can evaluate your personal history, family history, and symptoms to guide you to the best screenings and treatments. PinPointe Magazine
17
Playing Together by Liz Arrington
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood" - Fred Rogers he shelves at Target are already stocked with new supplies- pens, pencils, and notebooks in all their cheerful colors remind us that back-to-school season is near! As we wind down the summer and set our sights on the new school year ahead of us, many parents are looking to prepare their children to return to classroom routines and expectations.
T
’Tis the season of parental guilt. Terms like “school readiness” and “the summer slide” stir little waves of panic in the best of parents. Causing them to panic-buy sets of flash cards, and scour the Internet for educational games and activities that will counteract a summer that might have included more screen time than usual. As the school year approaches, the fear of falling behind begins to creep in. I’m here to help ease those fears, as child development experts remind us that learning is a natural skill for your child. Especially in early childhood, it’s critical that we not overlook the most important learning tool that our children need. Play. The unique thing about play is that children are born experts at it! In fact, they use play to teach themselves the things they need to learn. Play is the way that children internalize and process information, organize their thoughts and feelings, and express their inner voice. It improves dexterity and supports physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Play is a wonderful opportunity for parents to engage fully with their little one. Through play you are able to get a glimpse into their world, open up new channels of communication, and help to build enduring relationships. A few tips for parents to keep in mind when playing with their little ones: ● Resist the urge to direct or lead the play. It is critical for children to be self-directed during play, or it's not really play- it's following directions.
● Use reflective language, repeating what you see and hear. Think of yourself as a mirror for your child, following their lead and sharing in their process. 18 August | September 2022
● Ask questions to clarify your role (what would you like me to do?) But avoid asking "Why?" or digging for meaning in play. It's frustrating for children to interrupt play to explain or examine what they are doing.
● When playing with toys or other objects, avoid the urge to move your little one's body or hands for them. Even if they are playing with a toy the "wrong" way, authentic play is meant to be an exploration. You may choose to model the "correct" way for them, and your little one might change their approach or save that information in the future. ● Play should be FUN! Relax, focus and fully engage in the activity and delight in this little window into your little one's world.
● Leave your phone in another room. I’m not here to judge. But distracted play is not accomplishing the goal. And it’s really hard for us to avoid a quick glance at our notifications. If your phone is out of reach, you are far more likely to remain focused on your child with your full attention. ● Set aside some time this week to engage in play for 2030 minutes with your little one. This makes a special time for the two of you, and ensures that it actually gets done during busy days. You may be surprised at how that 30 minutes recharges your battery and sets aside some of the worries of your day.
Rest easy and soak up the memories and moments of this summer. Read together, take nature walks, play games, draw pictures, sing and dance together. Help nurture independence and self-reliance by practicing and playing out classroom experiences. Happy Back to School to you and your family! Liz Arrington combines her background as a professional children’s therapist with her love of music to provide early childhood music and movement classes to families of Cypress. Outdoor, Weekday, and Saturday classes available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com
PinPointe Magazine
19
Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity Unites Community Through Food and Fellowship By Patricia Hudson “I have really enjoyed being a part of this program, not only because it focuses on Cy-Fair Helping Hands mission of serving the homeless and hungry, but also because it brings business to our participating restaurants.” - Keri Holloway, Keri Holloway Real Estate
T
he Summer Season 2022 of the Metta's Local Eats Dine Out for Charity program launched on June 1st, and will extend through August 31st. Partnering with Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Metta’s Local Eats seeks to unite the community through Food and Fellowship, while helping the Hungry and Homeless in Cypress and the surrounding areas. “We had a vision and God flourished it into a reality,” comments Metta Archilla, founder of Metta’s Local Eats and Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity. “In the last two years, Metta’s Local Eats has raised over $100K, with Cy-Fair Helping Hands as its primary beneficiary.”
“We are incredibly excited about the founding restaurants returning: Andy’s Kitchen, Backyard Grill, Creekwood Grill, The Union Kitchen, and Yokohamaya, to name a few, and those that have joined
us NEW to the program. 40+ local to Cypress, Tomball, Jersey Village, and other surrounding area restaurants, bakeries, and artisan shops are all offering dishes and/or drinks. Man, oh man! What fun we’re having eating our way through these wonderful eateries,” laughs Metta. “A few of the program’s participating items include queso, fajitas, chicken fried steak, poke’ bowls, burgers, craft sausage, crepes, coffees, cupcakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. The choices are endless.” Elizabeth Hale, owner of Cake Fine Pastry and Plum Coffee Shop has been a program participant for several years. “We love every opportunity to help with MLE Dine Out for Charity; it is a beautiful way to help the homeless. We give freely from the heart and with love.” The Dine Out for Charity program has a fresh look this year, with a new logo, great graphics, electronic payment processing and a website, www.mledineout.com. Stepping up as sponsors for the program include Keri Holloway Real Estate, Andy’s Kitchen, Lucky Money Real Estate, and 2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ and Catering. “I have a passion for helping others in need. I have really enjoyed being a part of this program, not only because it focuses on Cy-Fair Helping Hands mission of serving the homeless and hungry, also because it brings business to our participating restaurants. I am thrilled to be a program sponsor,” explains Keri. At the helm of the program is the MLE Dine Out for Charity Executive Team of Metta Marie Archilla, Founder; President and Board Chair, Lisa Johnson; Financial Manager, Nancy Vieira; Acquisition and Account Management, Keri Holloway – lead, and Brenda Delgado, Wendy King, Amber Powers, and Brooke Mackin; Marketing and Social Media, Ashley Elizabeth Clarabut; and Graphics and Data Design, Vannessa Henley. For enlightening culinary discussions, restaurant reviews and openings, join the 8.6K members on Metta’s Local Eats Facebook page.
Dine Out for Charity Dishes
20 | September 2022 20 August May | June 2022
2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ - Restaurant Burnt Ends ($1) Airi Ramen Cypress 72-hour Beef Ramen ($1) Alchemy Bake Lab 1 Dz Chocolate Chip Cookies ($2) Aloha Poke Co. Cypress Crunch Bowl ($1) Ambriza Cypress, Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen, Ambriza Katy Calamares ($1)
Ambriza Cypress, Ambriza Social Kitchen, Ambriza Katy Short Ribs in Salsa de Chilies Secos ($1) Andy’s Kitchen Cypress Fried Pickles ($1) Brew30 Taphouse Cornhole Tournament Brown Bag BBQ Co. Brisket & Sausage ($1) Cafe Marrese Chicken & Waffles ($1) Cafe Marrese Blueberry Maple Macha Latte ($1) Cinnaholic Box of 4 Classic Rolls ($1) Cormier's Kitchen Cajun Cuisine Shrimp & Grits ($1) Creekwood Grill Pretzels & Beer Cheese ($1) Cypress Breakfast House Burger ($1) d'Vine Wine Bar Empanadas ($1) Gulf Coast Bread Pudding Banana Rum Bready Pudding ($1) Half Baked Cookie Company 4-pack of Cookies ($1) Hanan's Cafe Empanadas ($1)
Juanita’s Mexican Kitchen Birria Tacos ($1) Just Love Coffee Cafe Coffee Flight (Hot, Iced, Frappe) ($2) Lambeau’s Sports Bar & Grill Bone-in Pork Chop ($1) Lambeau's Sports Bar & Grill Monte Cristo ($1) La Viva Cantina ANY Queso ($1) Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee & Bakery - Cypress, TX (all) Vegan & Gluten Free items ($20%) Macs Sportsbar Chicken Fried Steak ($1) Martha's Mexican Restaurant and Grill Flan ($1) Misfit Outpost Draven Black Pilsner ($1) Old 300 Ranch 5lb Craft Sausage ($1) Rita's Cantina Mexican Kitchen Pollo Poblano ($1) Rita's Cantina Mexican Kitchen Houston Kitchen Sink Skillet ($1) Romero's Las Brazas, Barker Cypress Carne Guisada ($1) Sizzle & Brew Salmon Avocado Toast ($1)
Sleek Creperie & Cafe Strawberry Crepe ($1) STAT Party Rentals Bouncy House Rental ($5) tastytreatsbyheidi Crown Royal S'ltd Caramel lb Cake ($1) The Backyard Grill Fajitas ($1) The Burger Ranch Restaurant Wagoneer Burger ($1) The Cupcake Cowgirls Bakery Dozen Cupcakes ($3) The Flour Petal Bakery Sampler Box ($2) The Hidden Cellar Wine Bar Classic Meatballs ($1) The Spice Hippies Oil and Vinegar ($1) The Union Kitchen Boardwalk Town Lake Elvis Waffle ($1) The Union Kitchen Boardwalk Town Lake Pete's Filet ($1) Tito's Cantina Chips and Queso ($1) Yokohamaya Cypress Cypress Roll ($1)
PinPointe Magazine
21
CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS Source: CFISD News Media
Board Adopts 2022-2023 Budget, Increasing Salaries for 11th Straight Year The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees adopted the 2022-2023 budget in the amount of $1,167,002,635 during its regularly scheduled meeting on June 13. The proposed budget was presented during the June 9 board work session. The general fund budget includes local revenues of $601,850,339, state revenues of $430,947,000 and federal revenues and other sources of $25,200,000. CFISD’s total revenues amount to $1,057,997,339. CFISD plans to provide raises for all staff for the 11th consecutive year. The district’s 2022-2023 budget proposal calls for: • A salary increase of 2% on the greater of midpoint or base for all staff • Two $1,000 recruitment and retention stipends for full-time hourly and paraprofessional staff, one to be paid in the fall semester and the other to be paid in the spring semester • Two $500 recruitment and retention stipends for full-time professional staff, one to be paid in the fall semester and the other to be paid in the spring semester
• An increase in the teacher starting salary from $58,500 to $60,500 • An increase of $18 per day in substitute pay In addition to payroll and other administrative costs, the 2022-2023 budget proposal provides for additional teachers and paraprofessional for growth, additional police officers, elementary and middle school behavior interventionist / testing coordinator positions, operating costs to open new facilities, increase in fuel and utility costs, an increase in custodian starting pay and other miscellaneous increases. View the complete 2022-2023 budget presentation at www.cfisd.net.
CFISD Athletes Named to Touchdown Club Preseason Football Team Cy-Ranch High School defensive lineman Ashton Porter and linebacker Christian Brathwaite were among the standout football players named to and honored as a part of the Touchdown Club of Houston 2022 UIL High School Preseason Football Team. The honorees will be recognized on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Bayou City Event Center. The seniors were among 38 football players selected to the preseason team, which the Touchdown Club constructs through film study, recommendations, recruiting rankings and preseason publications. Each player honored by the Touchdown Club will be presented with a plaque commemorating the distinction. Since 2013, 36 CFISD players have been named to the preseason team, which included the district having multiple selections from 2014-2017. CFISD had seven standouts selected in 2016, three honorees in 2019 and 2020 and five selections last year.
22 August | September 2022
For a full list of honorees and other information, visit www.touchdownclub.org.
CFISD Graduates Earn National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarships Three CFISD Class of 2022 graduates were recently awarded college-sponsored scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship program.
CYPRESS MAGAZINES
Cy-Fair High School graduate Alejandro Cantu, Cypress Ranch High School graduate Miguel Alarcon and Cypress Woods High School graduate Tanvi Khandekar were all named scholarship winners. All three are part of a distinguished group of approximately 7,500 high school graduates who will receive National Merit scholarships for college undergraduate study. Officials of each sponsor college selected scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to enroll at their institution. The scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Your locally owned and run source for events, food, shopping, school news, and the people of Cypress!
Alarcon received the National Merit University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship and plans to study pharmacy.
Sign up for our newsletter at
SUBSCRIBE
Enter your email address
WWW.BESTOFCYFAIR.COM Like us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress Cypress Ranch High School Class of 2022 graduate Miguel Alarcon
CFISD Golf, Track, Softball, Baseball Student-Athletes Earn THSCA Academic All-State Honors
Download the Magazine for FREE!
One hundred and twenty-one CFISD athletes in golf, track and field, softball and baseball earned Academic All-State honors and accolades for the 2021-2022 school year from the Texas High School Coaches Association (THSCA), with 16 students across nine high schools earning first-team recognition. Partnering with the Texas Army National Guard, THSCA recognizes students who earn all-state honors while excelling in the following categories: grade-point average, class rank and ACT/SAT scores. Honorees then earn Elite, first-team, second-team or honorable mention honors based on their scores and averages.
!
FREE
The following Cy-Ranch students were among those who earned THSCA Academic All-State honors: FIRST TEAM Dale Stringfellow - Baseball SECOND TEAM Bailey Scantlin - Golf Carla Silva Mendez - Golf Anna DeMeritt - Girls’ Track & Field Ariana McCarthy - Softball Molly You - Softball Micah McAfoose - Baseball
HONORABLE MENTION Myla Tate - Girls' Track & Field Greatness Adewumi - Girls’ Track & Field Leah DeMeritt - Girls’ Track & Field Brayden Knight - Baseball Christian Salazar - Baseball
WWW.ISSUU.COM/INTOWNMAGAZINE PinPointe Magazine
23
