Beverly & Chris Girgis Despite High Profile Careers, CCL Couple Prefers
“The
Simple Life”
By Patricia Hudson
It was Michaela Lester that suggested our featured Cypress Creek Lakes couple for PinPointe Magazine: Chris and Beverly Girgis. “Chris and Beverly are one of our favorite couples! They brighten up our day! They are both so easy going, and fun to talk to; they have us cracking up within moments, every time!” At a family photoshoot, I was able to get a sense of what Michaela shared
Chris and Beverly Girgis are native Houstonians; Beverly grew up in the Spring Branch area and Chris grew up in Southwest Houston near Sharpstown. The couple met while students at Texas A&M University, during an orientation for a student organization. It didn’t take long for the two to realize that they were meant for each other. According to Beverly’s mom, she knew right away, although she claims it wasn’t until her older brothers gave approval. According to Chris’s mom, he knew right away too, although he claims it wasn’t until he first saw Beverly in a dress! They will be married 24 years in January. Even after 24 years, Chris describes Bev as “Beautiful, determined, funny, patient, smart, and amazing!” Bev says, “In no certain order, Chris is patient, a great husband and father, handsome, laid back, p assionate, and intelligent.”
Beverly studied Construction Science, while Chris studied Bioenvironmental Sciences. Each was awarded Bachelor of Science Degrees in their respective
members of the Texas A&M Flying Club.
Chris and Beverly were competitive high school athletes, and have participated in CrossFi t competitions. “These days, Chris can always be found lifting weights at a local gym or in our garage gym. I have participated in a couple of Highland Games events, which are a blast. One of the things on my Bucket list is to train again and make it to Scotland for a competition. Setting examples for our kiddos, of a healthy and active lifestyle, is important for us,” explains Beverly.
Flying and the prosp ect of becoming a pilot had Chris hooked at an early age. “I have an uncle who is a retired Delta
fields. Chris was active in Civil Air Patrol and was in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M. They were both
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
Air Lines pilot who took me under his wing and mentored me along the way. I pursued it aggressively and graduated from HISD's Sterling High School (Aviation) with my Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating. I became a Certified Flight Instructor soon after and taught flying lessons while I was enrolled at Texas A&M. Training for Professional Pilots is an ongoing process, a nd I enjoy being a part of both sides of it. I am a Captain and Line Check Pilot for United Airlines.
I currently fly Domestic/North America routes and enjoy the Western US because the weather is almost always nice. I do like flying into some of the more challenging airports we serve like Mexico City, Orange County, Reno, Washington Reagan, and New York’s LaGuardia. When I was flying internationally, Lo ndon and Tokyo were fun to visit. My favorite flight though, is always the one that is bringing me home to my family.”
Along with the thrill of flying and the travel opportunities, flights may include a VIP or two. “ I’ve had a few celebrity encounters, including sitting next to Clyde Drexler on a deadhead flight and Leslie Nielsen sticking his head in the flight deck before departure and saying ‘Good luck. We’re all counting on you,”’ divulges Chris.
While Chris finds his bliss in the skies, Beverly focuses on building strong foundations on the ground. “I have worked in the commercial construction industry since I graduated from Texas A&M in 2000. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some amazing, high-profile projects to include the building of NRG Stadium, L’Auberge Casino in Lake Charles and Baton Rouge,” remarks Beverly. “In 2020, I joined Kitchell Contractors and recently took on the role of Preconstruction Manager. We are currently proposing, or doing work for some of the large hospital networks in the Houston area, local Law Enforcement agencies, and higher education institutions.”
Bev and Chris have two children: Zoe and Brady. Zoe, age 11, going on 12, is a 6th grader at Smith Middle School. Tall and willowy, Zoe is a competitive cheerleader for Woodlands Elite Cheer Company and says that her favorite thing about cheerleading is the friends she’s made along the way. “She is also dipping her toe into volleyball,” shares her dad. Zoe is a certified SCUBA diver and completed 12 dives this summer in Bonaire.
Brady, 7, is a 2nd Grader at Warner Elementary School. He currently plays football with the Cy-Fair Sports Association,
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
(CFSA), and also enjoys soccer and basketball, hoping to someday play in the NBA. “He aspires to be the mayor and eliminate homelessness by building big houses so the homeless have a place to stay. He also believes that First Responders should be paid more,” conveys Beverly. Regardless of what the future holds for the Girgis kids, their parents are encouraging them to become “…happy, successful, and lead productive lives.”
Rounding out the Girgis family are Daisy and Sarge, their well-loved Labrador Retrievers. Lamenting over the losing battle with dog hair, Beverly quips wryly, “Dog hair is considered a condiment in our house!”
When time allows, the Girgis family enjoys the simple life. “We escape to our friends’ Hempstead ‘farm’ where we can just sit on the back porch, listen to some music, eat some good food, and watch the kids play with the animals. Other times, we enjoy a simple night on our couch with a movie and some popcorn, just being together as a family.”
If you know of an exceptional Greater Fairfield, Bridgeland/Blackhorse Ranch, Towne Lake, Coles Crossing, or Cypress Creek Lakes individual or family that needs to be featured in an upcoming issue of PinPointe Magazine, please email: texasteacher024@outlook.com.
The Best of Cy-Fair
By Patricia Hudson
PinPointe Magazine opted for a different take for our restaurant reviews this edition. We chose to highlight two unique establishments: Senate Avenue Brewing Company and The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge. Less than 10 miles apart, why not jump on US290 and visit them both?
Senate Avenue Brewing Company PLACES T O EAT
The Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce held the August networking breakfast in a most unlikely place: Senate Avenue Brewing Company. Andrew Mitcham, owner of Senate Avenue, hosted the event, which also served as a ribbon cutting, “Just 4 years later but… oh well,” joked Mitcham. (His story is intriguing; In the wake of 911, he left UT to join the Army and became a combat medic, earned his EMT Certification and taught Combat Lifesaver courses across the country. He did a stint in the
Corporate IT world before starting his own IT company with his brother-in-law. Moving back to Jersey Village, he married and served as the Mayor of JV. While his ultimate goal was to attract a brewery to his city, ironically, he now owns one!)
Getting back to Senate Brewing Company; they are billed as a nanobrewery and taphouse, and sell wine by the glass and bottle. The fullservice kitchen offers unique fare such as fried artichoke hearts and crab cakes, bison and black bean burgers, street tacos, (Our breakfast tacos and biscuits were delicious), and blackened redfish. SABC is family friendly; even dogs are welcome on the patio.
Senate Avenue Brewing Company 16000 Dillard Drive • Unit F Jersey Village, TX 77040 (832) 295-3188
Days/Hours of Operation: Sunday: Noon-7pm Monday-Friday: 11am-9pm Saturday: Noon-9 pm
The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge
Afriend’s networking event found me at The Daly Round Indoor Golf and Lounge midweek, just as folks were leaving work. A first-time visitor, I asked others about the establishment; a fun place to relax, watch the game, practice your swing, and meet friends, so they said. A friendly bartender called out a greeting while deftly offering a selection of spirits, craft beers, and cocktails to clients seated around the bar and around the room. My Cuba Libre was on point. Comfortable seating for conversation and tables for those perusing menus and others that checked out the Astros on multiple screens filled the room. Truffle Pretzel Bites and Cajun Crunch Egg Rolls; Handhelds of short rib and brisket blended beef with Bourbon bacon jam and shoestring potatoes tempted the tastebuds. Talk is, the oven fired flatbread pizzas are favorites among the golfers. The indoor golf simulators located in bays in the next room were filled with golfers and others that aspired to be. Bring your own clubs, or rent some. It’s 21 and over after 9 pm. Oh, and Bottomless Mimosas are offered for $12 a person every Saturday and Sunday. I’d say The Daly Round measures up to the hype.
The Daily Round Indoor Golf & Lounge 11734 Barker Cypress Road • Suite 116 Cypress Tx 77433 (346) 462-7043
Days/Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-10pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-Midnight
Tywin Handson Army Veteran Fights Ravages of Combat Through Veterans’ Services and Cy-Fair Community
By Patricia Hudson as Shared by Tywin Handson
Editor’s Note: While searching for a feature subject for the September/October Coles Crossing edition of PinPointe Magazine, the name Tywin Handson came up repeatedly. It took several phone calls before Major Handson consented to allow PinPointe Magazine to feature his life. One cannot help but be impressed with the man’s forthrightness, his extensive life achievements, and his commitment to community. Tywin’s exceptional communication skills were evident in his interview responses. For that reason, here is Major Tywin Handson’s story in his own words.
My name is Tywin M. Handson, Sr., and I proudly trace my roots back to the vibrant streets of Kansas City, Missouri.
Post-Army Journey: After retiring as a Major in the United States Army, my family and I returned to the scenic beauty of Colorado Springs. We envisioned planting our roots there, drawn by its stunning landscapes. However, as we settled in, we sensed a cultural shift that left us feeling disconnected from the community we once cherished.
A New Chapter in Cypress: Just when I thought I had found my footing in Colorado, an opportunity emerged that felt like a divine sign. A childhood friend reached out, inviting me to help establish a church in Cypress, TX. He offered not only the chance to build a ministry, but also provide support for the physical and mental scars I carried from my combat service. It was a calling that resonated deeply, leading my family and me to the welcoming embrace of Coles Crossing, a community that mirrored our spiritual values and personal beliefs, “A Classic Way of Life.”
Family Life: My partner in this journey is my wife, Jasmin Handson, a native of Weingarts, Germany. Together, we’ve built a loving home over the past 15 years, raising our spirited 10-year-old son, Tywin Jr. and two fur babies (Tyson and Skye). If I had a family motto, it would be: “To achieve any goal in life, follow this formula: Small Smart Steps + Consistency + Time = Radical Results.”
Military Service: I proudly served in the U.S. Army, beginning my career as an enlisted soldier, where I was promoted to Sergeant, then transitioning as a commissioned officer and retiring as a Major. My assignments took me to Independence, MO; Fort Lee, VA (twice); Fort Bragg, GA; Kitzingen and Wiesbaden, Germany; Colorado Springs, CO; San Jose, CA; and Fort Leavenworth, KS.
I deployed three times:
1) Tikrit, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-05) as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer
2) Tikrit and Mosul, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09) with Division Staff and the Ninawa Operations Command - Training Team
3) Herat, Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom 10-11) as the Delta Troop Commander.
I received numerous awards which included, but were not limited to the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, and Airborne Wings.
Community Service: Giving back is a cornerstone of my life, a value instilled in me
Photo Credit:
Mary Anne Heckman MAH Design LLC
Photo Credit:
Mary Anne Heckman MAH Design LLC
by my mother, Ranada Handson. I am a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I have served as the Operations Officer for Divine Promise Ministries and contributed to the Campus Planning Objective Committee at Sampson Elementary, where I also assist in the nurse's office and volunteer as a Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students). In Coles Crossing, I am the Fitness Center Chair, overseeing the Center Renovation Project, managing the ongoing equipment acquisition project, and conducting daily operations. Additionally, I led the Coles Crossing Volunteer Appreciation events and write monthly contributions for the Paper Boy.
Educational Background: My academic pursuits led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, followed by a Master’s degree in Human Resources. Each step of my journey has shaped who I am today, fueling my passion for community and connection.
Recreational Life: While I once loved playing basketball, military injuries have led me to transition to a more spectator role. Now, I enjoy cheering on my Kansas City Chiefs with friends every Sunday. Mentoring my son and other kids is a joy, and I cherish traveling to Germany with my wife.
Fond Military Memories: Some of my fondest moments in the military were spent training Iraqi leaders to take over their country, helping orphaned children in Afghanistan, commanding soldiers in combat, and swearing in hundreds of young people into the military at the Military Entrance Processing Station. It has been a privilege and honor to serve in the military and now
in my community. In short, the motto I live by is to “Connect, Serve, Grow, and Go!”
Veteran Service Organizations and Coles Crossing: Although I proudly served my country and would do so again without hesitation, I now bear the lasting marks of that service: permanent mental scars (PTSD) and physical challenges that require ongoing surgery and therapy. While I may appear fine on the outside, I silently struggle each day. I had to accept that counseling and physical therapy will be a lifelong journey for me.
For fellow veterans seeking support, please reach out to your local VA or Veteran Service Organizations. Helpful resources include Disabled American Veterans (help.dav.org), the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (va.gov), and Spring Vet Center (281-537-7812). Even though I will never fully heal, the VA, the supportive community of Coles Crossing, and Sampson Elementary’s annual Veterans Day Program are helping me face these challenges head-on.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands’ 3rd Annual Back to School Bash an Astounding Success
Story by Patricia Hudson
Photos by Apollo Productions, Daniel Arizpe
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, Cy-Fair Helping Hands held one of its biggest and most memorable community events: its 3rd Annual Back to School Bash. Aimed at providing backpacks and school supplies for Cypress-Fairbanks ISD students in need, the event drew 1,448 attendees, with over 1,025 students happily receiving new ageappropriate backpacks filled with school supplies. To kick off the school year, the children and their families were invited to enjoy a carnival-like event, with games, entertainment, food, exhibits and fun provided by its community partners.
"The numbers from the B2SB are astounding," says Pat Hudson, Director of Community Outreach. "More than 120 individuals from community churches, businesses and organizations came together with approximately 60 volunteers to make this happen. We are ecstatic to share that of those numbers, 11 Cy-Fair churches were represented! As our new Emmott Road location is not ideal for an event of this size, our good friends at Calvary Community Church graciously consented for us to use their church auditorium and parking lot. We are so grateful to Pastor Jeff McGee and his staff!
We wish to send a special thank you to all that helped to make this event memorable, including those that made a financial donation, provided school supplies and backpacks, donated and/or sized new and gently used clothing, set up, filled backpacks, helped with distribution, fed the guests, entertained and provided carnival game booths. A special thank you to H-E-B Cypress Market at Barker Cypress for a pallet of water, Christine Kalmbach, Realtor for the hot dogs, State Representative Penny Morales Shaw and Lulac# 4967 Greater Houston LULAC for the hot dog
buns, and Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s office for the donation of handwashing stations and portable toilets.”
Cy-Fair Helping Hands works closely with the Community Youth Services (CYS) workers that serve homeless and disadvantaged children within Cy-Fair ISD. On the Monday following the Bash, CFHH founder and Senior Homeless Services Director Jean Dreyer invited the CYS workers for breakfast and provided an overview of services available to CFISD students through CFHH programs. As they left, CYS workers loaded their cars (and a trailer) with 540 cloth and clear backpacks for the CFISD high school, middle and elementary campuses they serve. Olivia McElrath, Area Supervisor for Community Youth Services, made two subsequent trips to Cy-Fair Helping Hands, where volunteers loaded her vehicle with additional backpacks and supplies. Pantry clients were also able to pick up backpacks for their children for the two weeks following The Bash.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community businesses, churches, organizations, and individual supporters, we were able to donate an astounding 2,223 backpacks and school supplies for financially disadvantaged CFISD students,” exclaims Executive Director Janet Ryan. “It was heartwarming to see the immense smiles on the faces of the children as they excitedly grabbed their backpacks! That made it all worthwhile!”
First Row (left to right): Kendall Leto, Isabella Perez, Kendall Bryan, Meredith Malonson, Ava Reyna, Ella Kimbrough, Brooklynh Doan, Nicole McWilliam, Sophia Escobar, Savannah Tabb Second Row (left to right): Brooklyn McCombs, Addie Smith, Presley Alvarez, Jayda Clack, Reagan Williams, Laila Tabb, London Thomas, Cate Lammert, Morgan Kotzur, Natalia Varela, Laityn Allemand, Olivia Reed
Baby Moses Law Provides a Safe Alternative to Child Abandonment, Anonymity for the Parent
After the body of a newborn baby boy was found recently in a trash bin in northwest Harris County, a local news station ran a story about the ‘Baby Moses Law’ and how it works in Texas. This is a brief summary of the Baby Moses Law in Texas.
The Safe Haven Law in Texas, officially known as the "Texas Baby Moses Law," was enacted as a response to increasing cases of infant abandonment, sometimes resulting in the infant’s death. It was signed into law by Governor George W. Bush on June 3, 1999. This law provides a legal and safe alternative for parents who feel unable to care for their newborns, allowing them to relinquish custody without facing criminal charges.
Under the Texas Baby Moses Law, a parent can legally surrender their baby at designated Safe Haven locations, which include hospitals, police stations, fire stations, and emergency medical services (EMS) providers. The child must be no older than 60 days to qualify for this safe surrender. The law is designed to be as straightforward and non-threatening as possible to encourage parents to use it. No questions are asked of the parent, and they are not required to provide any identifying information. The anonymity of the parent is protected, and they are shielded from prosecution for abandonment, as long as the child shows no signs of abuse or neglect.
The process is simple: the parent hands the infant to an on-duty employee at a designated Safe Haven site. The employee is
required by law to take the child into custody and provide any necessary medical care. From there, the child is transferred to Child Protective Services (CPS), which takes steps to place the child in a safe and permanent home through foster care or adoption.
The Texas Baby Moses Law was one of the first of its kind in the United States and served as a model for similar legislation across the country.
It reflects a compassionate approach to addressing a complex issue, aiming to protect the lives of vulnerable infants while offering a safe, non-judgmental option for parents in crisis.
Despite its importance, many people are still unaware of the Safe Haven Law and the protections it offers. As community members, it is our responsibility to spread the word about this lifesaving law. By raising awareness of the Safe Haven Law, we can help prevent tragic outcomes and ensure that every infant has a chance for a safe and loving future.
If you or someone you know is in a situation where they feel unable to care for a newborn, remember that there is a safe and legal option available.
For more information, contact the Texas Baby Moses Hotline: 1-877-904-SAVE (1-877-904-7283).
Cypress Ranch High School Hosts Round Up 2024
Story and Photos by Patricia Hudson
Cypress Ranch High School kicked off the school year with its annual Round Up, a community back to school event featuring a school carnival hosted by Cypress Ranch athletes and school organizations. An assortment of food trucks lined one side of the parking lot, with booths and games filling a large expanse of the back parking lot.
Incoming freshmen, new students and their families were encouraged to attend the Round Up, meet the athletes, learn more about extracurricular activities, try their hand at games of skill, and join in on the first pep rally of the year. Just an hour into the Round Up, the skies began to darken, thunder and lightning rolled in. “We were supposed to have a pep rally at the football field, but unfortunately, it was canceled,” comments Mothers of Mustangs mom Penny Friedrich. Penny’s son Kaden is a senior and plays Center for the Mustangs.
HAPPENINGS Cypress
For more local events visit: www.bestofcyfair.com
And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress
Bridgeland Community Fun Run/Walk for Heroes
Saturday, October 12, 2024 • 8am / Kid's 1K @ 9am
Bridgeland’s Festival Park • 16902 Bridgeland Landing • Cypress, TX
Supporting The Bridgeland Community Supports Veterans, Inc. Details and Registration: blrunforheroes2024.eventbrite.com
The Judy Dierker Holiday Market
Friday, October 18 & Saturday, October 19, 2024 • 9am-4pm
Foundry Church • 8350 Jones Rd. • Houston, TX 77065
For 22 years, we have been bringing together a variety of vendors, artisans, and makers to offer a unique and festive shopping experience. Not only will you find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, but you'll also be supporting a great cause.
Cy-Woods FFA Fall Festival & Craft Show
Saturday, October 26, 2024 • 9am-5pm
Sunday, October 27, 2024 • 10am-4pm
Carnival • 10am-3pm Sat & Sun
Telge Exhibition Center • 11206 Telge • Cypress, TX 77429
Food Trucks, Carnival, Farmers Market & More!
Fall Frolic Trunk-or-Treat
Friday, October 25, 2024 • 6-10pm
Clark Henry Park • Equador St. • Jersey Village, TX 77040
Haunted House experience, Dog Costume Competition, Food Trucks, Music with DJ Cara. visitjerseyvillagetx.com
Blair Scare Cypress Community Fall Market
Saturday, October 26, 2024 • 3-8pm 28070 Hwy 290 • Cypress, TX 77433
A spooktacular Fall Festival fun-filled day with food trucks, a live band, and a haunted house!
Rotary Club of Cy-Fair Annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Blackhorse Golf Club • 12205 Fry Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Benefitting PTSD Foundation of America & Camp Hope Register at: tinyurl.com/CyFair-Rotary-Golf2024 www.rotarycypressfairbanks.org
Cy-Ranch Theatre: Sweeney Todd
November 7-10, 2024 10700 Fry Road • Cypress, TX
Tickets Available at www.cyranchtheatre.org
Cy-Fair Helping Hands Festival of Trees
Sat. November 9, 2024 • 7-10pm
Lindsay Lakes • 16536
Mueschke Rd. • Cypress, TX
Dinner & Dessert, Cocktails& Mocktails Live Music, Bourbon Pull, Silent Auction & More!
Visit www.cyfairhelpinghands.org/FOT2024/ for more info.
Veterans Day Celebration & Military Memorial Wall Dedication
Saturday, November 9, 2024 • 10am-Noon
12527 Cypress North Houston • Cypress, TX 77429
Join us to celebrate all those who served while we are dedicating our new Military Memorial Wall! Light refreshments will be served.
Cy-Fair Helping Hands' Thanksgiving Blessings Box Distribution
Saturday, November 16, 2024 • 9am-1pm
World Changers Church • 7934 Highway 6 N. • Houston 77095
Must Have a Financial Need. While Supply Lasts. Line starts at 8:30 am Bring Photo ID and Proof of Residence (rent/utility bill). Must Live within Cy-Fair ISD Boundaries. cyfairhelpinghands.org
Cy-Fair Nutcracker Market
Saturday, November 23, 2024 • 9am-5pm
Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Over 270 vendors offering everything from Women's and Children's Clothing, Home, Holiday and Garden Decor, Gourmet Food Items, Hand made and Fashion Jewelry, and so much more! $5 Cash Entry Fee at Door or purchase online. Children under 13 Free Entry. No Stroller allowed by Berry Center Policy during event until after 3pm. www.berrycenter.net/event-details/cyfair-nutcracker-market
LONE STAR COLLEGE-CY-FAIR
CENTER FOR THE ARTS
FALL 2024 CALENDAR
9191 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX 77433
Oct 10-19: The Revolutionists • 7:30pm (Th/Fr), 2:30 (Sat) (Main Stage)
Oct 25: Inspired! Choir Concert • 7:30pm (Main Stage)
Nov 7-16: A 1940s Christmas Carol • 7:30pm (Th/Fr), 2:30 (Sat) (Black Box)
Nov 18-19: Opera Workshop • 7:30pm (Main Stage)
Nov 22: Symphonic Band & Symphony Orchestra • 7:30pm (Main Stage)
Nov 25: Jazz Ensemble Performance • 7:30pm (Main Stage)
Dec 5: Percussion Ensemble • 7:30pm (Main Stage)
Dec 6: Choir Concert • 7:30pm (Main Stage) www.facebook.com/Center4theArtsCyFair
TRAVELING
SENIORS OF CYPRESS TRIPS & ACTIVITIES
October 10. 2024: Scarecrow Festival & Autumn Fair. Free Trip. Lunch on your own. Leaving from Fairfield Baptist Church at 8:00 am. November 12, 2024: Houston Botanical Garden Light Show Price TBD Lunch at Kelly Country Cooking-Dinner. Leaving Fairfield Baptist Church 4:00 pm
November 18-23, 2024: Branson Christmas Show Extravaganza, Branson, Missouri Admission to 5 Fabulous Shows, 8 meals: 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners: $895.
April 24-May 3, 2025: Shades of Ireland, 10 Days: 13 Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners with Optional 3-Nigh Lond Pre Tour Extension or Optional 3-Nigh Edinburg Post Tour Extension. Round Trip Air from Houston Intl, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges, Hotel Transfers. Double Occupancy: $3,999.
All trips leave from Fairfield Baptist Church. Please park facing the ditch and apartments. All trips must be paid for within five days of registering, or you will be removed from the list. For info, contact Jo Ann at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie at jackie.devine@comcast.net.
CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS
Source: CFISD News Media
CFISD Responds to Inaccurate Media Reports
CFISD is releasing some facts to respond to recent media reports that were inaccurate or misleading.
A report during the first week of school claimed that a student was required to walk along Hwy. 249 to get to school, while the student had the option of walking through a neighborhood with sidewalks. Although accurate information was provided to the reporter, the report was not corrected or retracted.
Another report outlined criticism for the costs of holding the district’s Convocation event at the Berry Center during staff development week. Costs for the event included:
•$30,000 – keynote speaker’s fee, which was not paid from the CFISD general, activity or grants budgets, but from our Rigor, Relevance and Relationships (RRR) Conference funds that were collected from out-of-district registrations, vendor payments for the conference, and a donation from the Cy-Fair Educational Foundation
•$6,045.50 – 50 lunches for event staff required to stay between sessions; 6,900 bottles of water for afternoon participants
•$56,597.00 – bus transportation for all staff, which allowed for campus and department team building time on the buses, reduced traffic on Barker Cypress for the community, and provided a more time-efficient day by eliminating the traffic and parking challenges of 7,500 cars each session
Cy-Ranch HS Students Showcase Mum on Campus
In preparation for the school’s homecoming festivities Cypress Ranch High School advanced floral design students constructed a mum spanning 18 feet and 6 inches tall in less than three weeks. This is the first time a jumbo-sized mum has been created and displayed at Cypress Ranch.
Cory Shearer, agriculture science and floral design teacher, said she came up with the idea to create a large mum because she wanted her advanced class to make something different and special.
“I thought it’d be a really fun thing for our advanced floral kids to get to do to bring some school spirit and to kind of bring awareness of what our classes are,” Shearer said.
The creators behind the mum are junior Caroline Motley and senior Jocelyn Kanouff, the only two students enrolled in the advanced floral design class. They worked together diligently to create the masterpiece, which they later displayed in the front of “Main Street,” Cypress Ranch’s main hallway.
•No charges from the CFISD police department
Approximately 15,000 staff members attended the Convocation, for an average cost of $6.18 per staff member. An all-staff meeting was last held in 2013 when CFISD’s previous superintendent was hired. With a new superintenden t in 2024, this was an opportunity for all CFISD staff to have an in-person experience and hear his vision and mission for the district. CFISD is on “The Path to Amazing!”
Traditionally, the floral design class constructs a regular-sized mum as part of the curriculum. Although Mrs. Shearer’s advanced floral design students had created a mum last year, they hatched a new idea to create their biggest mum yet this year.
By Allison Okuneye
When I think about the size of my purse over the years, it makes me laugh. There were the younger years where I had to have my entire makeup bag, 3 different body sprays, an entire hairbrush, basically the college girl equivalent of a Mary Poppins Bag. Then we move into the young mom years the bag stayed massive, but was now a diaper bag/purse. I had to remove MY “necessities” and restock with every baby i tem to be prepared for any and every possible situation. I still don’t understand how I was not WAY more buff between the weight of bags and babies, but I digress.
Now, in my older (but still younger) years I find myself eliminating the heavy baggage a little bit at a time. Literally and figuratively. Maybe with time you realize that the world doesn’t actually end if you don’t have multiple body sprays to choose from, or if you get caught in the rain and can’t fix your hair. Maybe 8 diapers for a trip to HEB was a little excessive. It didn’t feel that way at the time, and maybe it was totally necessary and I just haven’t been in that stage of life for a while. Different stages of life require different size purses. There are some seasons where you will feel prepared, with all of your tools, ready for any and ever y disaster. There may be another season where you don’t seem to
have anything that you need. Or you may feel like me in my current season, decluttering every area...and the purse is just the beginning. Filling the extra space (in our purse or life) with extra “things” really just weighs us down. I am ok with having a lighter, easier to manage purse. I can confidently say that in this stage of life, where the purse is lighter, the extra baggage has been removed, my shoulders feel better, the stress of being 100% prepared is no longer looming, and I can finally have space for something new.
IN CASE YOU WERE CURIOUS...
This is what Is currently In my purse.
• WALLET
• TRAVEL SIZE PERFUME (an-other.com FM/2018)
• LIPSTICK (Maybelline Super Stay Dancer)
• KEYS
• SUNNIES
