Contents ON THE COVER: Edith Patel Rennell Elementary Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
Serving the Community of Towne Lake
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Pinpointe Teacher Profile: Edith Patel
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Cooper’s First Day
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Finding Calm During The Storm
10 Cypress Happenings 11 Canine Corner 12 Best of Cy-Fair: Alchemy Bake Lab
16 Do You Lift or Crush? 18 Playing Together 20 Cypress School News 21 Back to School Photos 23 Pinpointe Wants To Know: Back To School
Edith Patel
PINPOINTE TEACHER PROFILE
RENNELL
E L E M E N TA R Y
Photo Credit: Patricia Hudson
taught me so much and with such patience and passion. I feel that one of my best qualities is my patience and I learned that from her. In teaching patience is very important. Campus/Teaching Assignment: Rennell Elementary: 2nd Grade Math and Science Teacher Years of Experience (Same Assignment/Campus): I am starting my 17th year of teaching and all my years have been in CFISD- I have taught High School, Middle School and Elementary School.
Husband’s Name: Samir Patel Children’s Names/Ages: Anthony Patel- 26 in the Navy (step son) Adam Patel- 22 UH student (step son) Emet Patel-10 • Emry Patel-9 • Eli Patel-8 Education (College attended/Degree Received): Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education What was your motivation to become an educator? What motivated me to become a teacher was my mom. Although she wasn’t in the profession of Education, she 4 September | October 2020
Recall one memorable teaching moment. Wow! I have so many memorable teaching moments! If I had to choose just one, I would say it was when I was having Meet the Teacher a couple of years ago. My student walked in and I introduced myself to my new kindergartner. As I talked to him his mom just looked at me and then asked, “are you Mrs. Saldana?” to which I responed, “yes, that is my maiden name, and now I am Mrs. Patel”. She said she couldn’t believe it! That I had been her middle school Spanish teacher years ago and that I made a big impact in her life. She said I was her favorite teacher. She said that she was extremely excited that now her son was able to be my student. A couple of years later when I moved schools, I was taking all of my files out and I started reminiscing on some old student notes (at one of my school’s for teacher appreciation week, they would give each student five 5X7 lined index cards and have them write a note to some of their teachers.) I ran across her note to me! I do keep student notes and sometimes feel that I made the biggest impact when I taught Middle School and High School. I think those are difficult stages in student lives where they really do need teachers. I often contemplate about returning to Middle School as a Spanish teacher, because although I LOVE Elementary, I wonder if I am making a big enough difference in my students lives.
My “Super Power” is: Being able to incorporate movement and song to my curriculum. I feel that kids need movement whether it’s as part of a small brain break, or to help them learn. Songs also help the brain learn and retain information. This also makes learning fun! And one of my goals is to make my classroom a fun place where students want to be and where they are excited to come back to!
our wonderful neighborhood amenities with my family such as: fishing, biking, walking, paddle boarding, boat rides. I am also a HUGE Texans fan! I will miss going to all of the Texans games this year!
What do you see as your biggest challenges this year? What will be very challenging this year is being able to give 110% to both Face to Face students and our Connect students. I strive to be my best to teaching my students, but with two teaching platforms this year, I know it will be a challenge. That being said, it will not stop me from giving my best to both sets of students. I will actually use my campus’ moto: To perform better today than we did yesterday. I will strive to improve day by day. Finish this sentence: If I hadn’t chosen a career in education, I would have pursued… Owning my own Dance Studio Favorite leisure activities: Yoga, Pilates, Ballet/Dance Classes, Family Board Game Nights, Friday Family Grill & Swim weekends, enjoying
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Cooper Knox FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Cooper Knox started school on September 8, 2020 at Warner Elementary School. A large show of support from HPD and other law enforcement agencies were on hand to send Cooper off to school on the first day of school since his father Jason Knox's helicopter crash on May 2, 2020. Solos's and Vintage police cars escorted the school bus to Warner. Photo Credit: Capt. Daniel Arizpe, PIO/ Cy-Fair Fire Dept.
6 September | October 2020
AROUND
Cypress
nding Calm During e Stm By Thad Cardine
I
t’s my one-year anniversary as the Executive Director of Shield Bearer and what a year it has been! Common words from those who call into Shield Bearer these days are: exhausted, overwhelmed, frustrated, frazzled, worried, fed-up, devastated, lost, burned-out, and angry. I think we can all relate. I, for one, love to hear the stories of the silver linings others have found in 2020. My good friend was diagnosed with Cancer prior to the pandemic and was in the process of scheduling her aggressive surgeries and treatment procedures back in February and March while still maintaining a busy and demanding work schedule with a long commute. She was stressed about how to mitigate it all and maintain her energy level. The lockdown and ability to work remotely was a huge blessing to her and her family. Hearing her express such gratitude and good fortune in the midst of her own fear, suffering, and hardship inspired me to take another look at my experiences since March of this year and identify the many graces I may have missed. I invite you to reexamine your experiences and look for the bright side amid the dark clouds of 2020. I’ve made a point to catch up with my dad in Virginia by phone more often than I did pre-COVID. He’s nearly 90 and he busies himself by mowing his 30 acres. It takes him two weeks to cycle through his entire property. He rarely turns on the T.V. and most of his news comes from my calls. Day after day he mows and for some reason he’s noticed that the air seems to be cleaner, fresher, and clearer. It’s his observation he’s shared with me each time I call. Take a moment and see for yourself. Maybe my dad is correct and you’ll be able to clearly see the natural beauties and surroundings better than you could before. I read a news article recently about the Himalayas mountain range. For 30 years, its summit has been hidden from view by thick smoke and fog. However, this year, the view is clear and breathtaking. 8 September | October 2020
While we remember and pray for those who are dealing with the economic hardships, many are enjoying the freedom and flexibility to work from home. Some have noticed that their work-related stress has reduced. I haven’t worn a tie since March and rather than shaving every day, I enjoy the freedom to shave once or twice a week! Don’t let this opportunity to be grateful slip by. In fact, think of all the little moments we may take for granted. Remember when you were rushing out the door stressing to be here or there? Try appreciating the aroma of fresh coffee, the warmth or coolness of a longer than normal shower, the comforting feeling of wearing your pjs until 10 in the morning! When you take time to savor these moments your body relaxes and you increase your serotonin. Serotonin is the happy chemical in your body that boosts your wellbeing and happiness.
Managing Stress & Fatigue • • • • • •
Establish new daily routines. Spend time outdoors. Maintain contact with others. Keep regular mealtimes. Limit exposure to news and social media. Keep a healthy sleep routine.
Preventing Family Burnout • Let yourself off the hook. Don’t expect to be perfect. • Create a safety net. Reach out for help and engage with others. • Take a break. You need downtime and alone time. Take 15 minutes. • Stay healthy. Limit alcohol, nicotine, and other substances. Eat healthy foods and exercise. • Accept your feelings. It is 100% ok to feel the way you feel.
Staying at home with your family is an opportunity to catch up with one another. My family have longer stays around the dinner table, more board games, and deeper conversations. We have movie nights and pile upon the sofa together, play Legos on the floor, and build entire communities out of empty cereal boxes for families of stuffed animals. We read together more and share prayer intentions. Spending relaxed moments with your family boosts your oxytocin. Oxytocin is released when people bond socially or snuggle up to one another. It creates a calming effect on your body and reduces stress. Now might be the time to exercise your latent creativity and plans for self-improvement. How many times have we said, “I wish I could work on this, or discover this about myself” only to let the excuse of not having enough time weigh us down? I should say, that it necessarily isn’t a bad thing If laying down and doing nothing this week is what you need, I think that is just as much a part of self-care and self-improvement as waking up at 5 a.m. to journal, do a rigorous workout or make a five-star breakfast for your family. The important thing is that you make the most of this time and care for yourself unapologetically. One of the most profound silver linings I’ve thought about recently is the realization that shared experiences
bring us together. We are collectively navigating a shared experience. This is an opportunity for all of us to be united. I encourage all of us to show compassion, find and share hope and positivity, even in the worst circumstances. While negative news consumes our social media feeds, be a source of light. Reach out and offer uplifting messages, inspiration, gestures of kindness. Spread joy in whatever way you can. Our Shield Bearer counselors remain busy during a crisis like this, the need for mental health services continues to grow. We want to respond to those who are overwhelmed and find it difficult to see hope. We are here to help you heal. Call for help: 281-894-7222 Shield Bearer Counseling Centers 12340 Jones Rd. Ste. 290 Houston, TX 77070 No Walk-ins. Call for Appointment: 281.894.7222 shieldbearer.org Thad Cardine with daughters Elena & Jacinta
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Cypress
HAPPENINGS
F O R M O R E , G O T O B E S T O F C Y FA I R . C O M
Cy-Fair Women's Club Shop 'til You Drop Tuesday, September 15 - Saturday, September 19, 2020 Online Virtual Marketplace For updates and club information Visit: www.cyfairwomensclub.org or our facebook page: facebook.com/cwcshoptilyoudrop
Fairfield Women's Club Monthly Meeting
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Blood Drive & Covid-19 Antibody Testing at the Berry Center The Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX Appointments available throughout September. Please visit www.berrycenter.net/events to view available dates and sign up. *This test is authorized by the FDA only for detecting the presence of antibodies against SARS-Co V-2 and is not intended for diagnosis of Covid-19.
Mint Express Car Wash Food Drive Ongoing through September 13, 2020 • DAILY: 8am-7pm 8640 Barker Cypress • Cypress (across from the Berry Center) “As part of our motto to be part of the community that we serve, Mint Express is hosting a food collection drive in partnership with Cy-Fair Helping Hands, a community non-profit which serves the homeless and hungry. Our goal is to give back to the community during these uncertain economic times; we hope to collect 10,000 cans of nonperishable food during the campaign. We look forward to meeting people in the community as we work together to feed those in need. As our commitment to the campaign, Mint Express pledges to donate at least 1,000 food cans,” states owner Vinay Chhabra.
10 September | October 2020
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 • 7-9pm Bradford Creek Clubhouse • 16011 Fairfield Green Circle • Cypress We will be distributing grants from money the club raised last year. www.fairfieldwomensclub.org
Fairfield Women's Club Fundraising Garage Sale Saturday, October 3, 2020 $25 a household to participate. Register at: fairfieldwomensclub.org. For questions contact us either on Facebook or email us at: fairfieldwomensclub@gmail.com
Senior Travelers of Cypress Nashville Show Trip Sunday, November 29 • 8am - Saturday, December 5, 2020 Good Shepherd Methodist • 20155 Cypress Wood • Cypress Transportation, meals, live shows, guided tours and much more! Cost: $765 - $75 due upon signing. Final payment due Sept. 22 (Per person, double occupancy. Add $255 for single occupancy.) For more info and reservations contact: Jo Ann Lambert at pstlgrl@gmail.com or Jackie Devine at jackie.devine@comcast.net
Canine Corner
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By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo
ine-year-old Canelo is believed to be a Great Dane Anatolian Shepherd mix. When rescued, he was emaciated, with infections in his mouth, and both eyes, tumors and yeast covering his body. In need of surgery, he was heartworm positive, and not neutered. Canelo was abandoned by his owner at a shelter. He is through a large portion of his medical treatments and looks like a new dog. He was recently placed in a foster home to continue his treatments. These, as well as the remainder of his treatments, are paid through donations from rescue supporters. Canelo is a hospice case and would love to find a home to finish the life he has left, in comfort surrounded by a family who adores him. House-trained, Canelo weighs 87 pounds, is gentle and sweet, and loves his toys and other dogs. If interested in this handsome guy, please find his application on the website: bigloverescue.org.
Canelo
Big Love Rescue’s goal is to rescue lost or abandoned dogs from shelters and prevent their euthanasia. The dogs are placed in foster homes, where they receive medical care and behavioral training, as needed, to prepare them for a new home. The charity emphasizes the importance of spaying and neutering to reduce overpopulation. For more information, contact: blrescuetexas@gmail.com.
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A
ALCHEMY BAKE LAB
The Best of Cy-Fair
Baking up Tiny Treats and Giant Flavors
P L AC E S TO E AT Story & Photos by Metta Archilla-Ishida
lchemy Bake Lab Owner, Kady Miller is a licensed Cottage Baker, and is taking Cypress, Katy, and the surrounding areas by storm, serving up delectable edible tiny treats that are all the RAVE with their intense sparkle and shine. Kady is a remarkable woman, known for her generosity in servicing her community by giving back big-heartedly through her time and kitchen, providing support to friends in need, charities, and non-profit causes through the Cypress Area Eats for Charity platform. Alchemy Bank Lab is a mini dessert bake shop that has four main branches. Ms. Miller is heavily focused on: Dessert Delivery Service (think College Care Packages and special occasions), Weddings, (dessert bars), Community Markets and Outreach, and custom Cookie Tart Cakes. “Shipping is something pretty new for us, being a cottage bakery, we have to abide with strict laws with shipping. As of September 2019, we are allowed to ship our treats as long as one part of the sale is in person. So, for example, if one of our local customers wants to order a Care Package for their son/daughter in College, we can absolutely make that happen,” shares Kady.
Six year-old Kady learned to bake Bisquick blueberry muffins from the recipe on the box. It didn’t take her long before she was baking a variety of muffins and selling them during school recess. Little did Kady know this would ignite a passion and path forward the rest of her life. “That was when I fell in love with baking. Going into high school, I knew I wanted to be a Pastry Chef. I tailored all my classes around business management. For a project in high school, I had to partner with a local business and work one-on-one with them, then document what we learned.” Kady looked forward to her days of learning their secret recipes. She was hooked! This intimate and personal drive was recognized, and at the close of her project, the restaurant asked her to come in once a week and bake cream puffs, (her specialty), and they sold them on their menu as a running special.
12 September | October 2020
I asked her about a memory, reminiscent of her favorite restaurant experience; the one moment that changed her life had to do with a baker, of course. “I've been very lucky to experience some amazing dining adventures. But to be completely honest, the one that truly impacted my life, was my first visit to Common Bond Bakery downtown.
The minute I walked in and saw their pastries and desserts, décor, customer service, style, EVERYTHING, it re-ignited my dream of opening my own bake shop. Common Bond is everything a bakery should be in my opinion, and I have them to thank in a little way for helping me re-align my ultimate goal.” Kady attended Johnson and Wales University for Baking & Pastry Arts. In subsequent years, Katy found herself in the grips of “Corporate America.” While she loved it, she could never shake that deep nagging feeling that told her she was destined for much more. After moving to Texas, giving birth to her son in 2015, and suffering a lay-off in February of 2019, Kady finally listened to what the Universe had been trying to tell her all along. “I remember telling my husband at the time, "I feel like my creative mind needs an outlet; it's bubbling at the surface and I need to figure out what this means." “It took two weeks of being laid off before I knew it was time to finally start my bakery.” Alchemy Bake Lab became a registered entity with the state of Texas on February 26, 2019. What started as selling muffins at recess, had come full circle 28 years later.
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are now my number one seller, another full circle story.” Another absolute favorite treat to bake are her Pumpkin Cream Mini Tarts. “These are nostalgic to me because they were the first mini tarts I made about 10 years ago. And I remember thinking to myself at the time, that one day, when I own my bakery, I will sell these. And here we are.”
It took Kady almost 20 years to finally settle on a brand and name for her bake shop, the Alchemy Bake Lab. Alchemy (al-kə-mē) is the medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the transformation of matter. Alchemists focused particularly on finding a universal elixir of life, creating gold and riches from other elements. Kady describes it best, “What I love about this, is if we take the basics away from definition, we have a chemist, using elements, to create something amazing. In my world, that’s exactly what I do at Alchemy Bake Lab! I use chemistry and elements, to create amazing desserts and treats!” Let’s talk product. Kady is known for her Brown Butter Rice Krispy Treats. The recipe she uses dates back to her high school days when she would make them for her friends on Friday sleepovers. Kady proudly proclaims, “It's so surreal that they
Kady is into baking all kinds of mini treats these days. One of my personal favorites are the Oreos on Steroids: pillowy, sexy, silky mounds of Italian meringue buttercream, sandwiched between thin decadent chocolate wafers and fairy dusted! She is a firm believer in being genuine; being empathetic is one of her secret powers. Her ever-present smile is infectious; one can’t help but feel the positive energy in her presence. This hard-working baker firmly believes in staying humble. “No matter what success comes, it can all change in the blink of an eye. And that should never be looked over.” Alchemy Bake Lab 16214 Pine Thorn Drive • Houston, TX 77095 401-569-9690 • alchemybakelab.com Days/Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm • Saturday: 9am-5pm
Metta Archilla-Ishida is a Founder of the Cypress Area Eats Facebook Group, #onmettasfork
For more restaurant reviews visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.
CYPRESS RESIDENT: LIVE HERE, WORK HERE, PLAY HERE!
Darin Young REALTOR®
832-274-7433
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated.
My Mission is to provide 100% satisfaction to my clients through strong communications and follow up, paying close attention and listening to details, providing expert knowledge of the industry, being passionate about meeting clients needs, and never settling until exceeding clients expectations. Earning your trust and respect while being proactive, innovative, and creative to get you the best deal possible as fast as possible. Actions speak louder than words. Let me prove it to you.
darinyoung2020@gmail.com | www.darinyoung.remax.com
14 September | October 2020
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Do you lift or crush?
By Allison Okuneye
Spirits. Not weights. By spirits, I mean people...not alcohol. Ok let me explain,
WHAT IS YOUR FIRST REACTION TO A
FRIEND’S EXCITING NEWS?
Encourage. OR Discourage? 16 September | October 2020
I love people. I am a people person, I do not have a "type" of friend, I can find connecting points with most human beings. With that being said, in my small world of people I am connected to, I have them broken down into two groups:
Group 1 are people I have great relationships with and we can catch right back up after not talking for years. We can send random texts or GIFs for a good laugh. It is a great group of people and the relationship hardly every goes below the surface.
Group 2 is different, and A LOT smaller. Group 2 is filled with the select few who have witnessed me cry (actual, real, live tears) and have seen the absolute worst, and have also experienced my absolute best! They can hold my secrets, and encourage me when I am on a roll, but also can listen to me when I am knee deep in an emotional breakdown. I love AND need both groups in my life.
Now, there are some people that won't ever make it in Group 2, but it’s not because I don't want them to be there. I have had to learn through
extensive therapy and of course the good old fashioned hard way that you can't go to everyone with everything. For example, I had a friend that I would call right away when I got good news and was so excited I could almost burst. My excitement was ALWAYS met with criticism, questions, doubt, cynicism, and before I knew it, my excitement was CRUSHED. It took me a long time to realize that I love my friend, but I cannot share good news with her. This is not because I don't want her to be a part of my good news, I just knew that for whatever reason, she did not know how to be a part of my joy. She was a CRUSHER.
It is important to know which of the friends in your circle are CRUSHERS, and which ones are LIFTERS. Lifters will not only match your excitement, but will sometimes even outdo you! This does not mean that they won't ever question or bring something to your attention if it seems off. But in the moment of your good news, they will be there, and they will be SUPPORTIVE. They will keep you lifted, and will choose another time and place for questions or criticism. They will join wholeheartedly in your excitement. These are the LIFTERS.
We understand the importance of knowing where our friends fall, but the most IMPORTANT question is which one are YOU? What kind of friend/sister/wife/mother are YOU? What is your first reaction to exciting news? Do you LIFT others up? Or do they leave a conversation with you and feel CRUSHED and defeated? We focus A LOT on the
way that other people treat us, and how they show up in our relationships, but it is rare that we turn the question around and dive deeper into the type of person we are. Take some time and look at the different relationships in your life; if you feel really bold, you can even ask those who you know will give you an honest answer where you fall. Chances are, you might not be as aware as you think you are when it comes to those closest to you, and that is OK. This is about being better than we were yesterday, and taking small steps in the right direction.
So here is your challenge. Be a LIFTER this month in as many of your relationships, and in as many situations as you can. If you want extra credit, journal about your experience. Where did you see a difference? Were some relationships easier to be a lifter than others? What reactions (if any) did you get?
I can't wait to hear about your experience! We can do this, let's get to lifting!!!
Take care of each other out there. Allison Okuneye
@dkdesignheadwear
dkdesignheadwear@gmail.com
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By Liz Arrington
don’t think I need to point out the level of stress and anxiety that the parents in our community are experiencing right now. The topic of conversation swirling around us is filled with questions and fears about what is the best choice for our children. Back to school, online school, homeschool, forming a “pod”; parents are weighing all of their options. Most of us are afraid that no matter what we choose, something will be sacrificed.
I
But, in all of the worry and stress about our children’s education, 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 so important that it has been identified by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the
United Nations Commission for Human Rights. Parental involvement in play is included in the many factors that support the role of healthy play in a child’s overall development, and we believe an equally important role in supporting the grown up’s own emotional and mental health. 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. In my experience, play is one of the most overlooked tools for parents to use! However, for many parents, playing with their children can feel unnatural or uncomfortable, or at worst, like we are wasting time. If you are looking for ways to engage in play with your little one, try some of these suggestions. 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.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is a serious thing. Play is really the work of childhood." - Fred Rogers 18 September | October 2020
● Use reflective language, repeating what you see and hear. It helps to see yourself as a mirror for your child.
● 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.
Liz Arrington combines her background in working with children and families with her love of music, to provide early childhood music and movement classes to the families of Cypress. Online music classes also available. See more at www.songfulbeginnings.com.
● Play should be FUN! Relax, focus and fully engage in the activity and delight in this little window into your little one's world.
● Set aside some time this week to engage in play for 30 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.
In a period of time when families are burdened with stress and uncertainty, one thing we CAN do is play. It’s mutually beneficial, brings families together, helps our children to express their thoughts and feelings, and supports all areas of development. So, get into the work of childhood, and play with your little one today!
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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS News Source: CFISD News
Cypress Ranch Senior Selected for Prestigious STEM Internships Cypress Ranch senior Vedaant Kaura, was selected for two prestigious STEM summer internships, the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars Program (HAS) and the Student Enhancement in Earth and Space Science Program (SEES). HAS is a 16-week internship that invites Texas high school juniors to work closely with NASA to explore STEM-related majors and careers. Kaura participated in HAS from November 2019–February 2020 and was tasked with different projects, including simulated missions to the moon and finding solutions to problems on the International Space Station (ISS). Through the projects, Kaura and his team designed a tool to be used on the ISS that is currently being developed by NASA. “Having a tool being developed by NASA feels amazing,” said Kaura, who wants to major in aerospace and electrical engineering after high school. “I am very proud of myself that I could display my creativity to such an esteemed organization. This opportunity motivates me to do even greater things in my future career that will better humanity.” After completing the program, Kaura wanted to find additional opportunities and applied to SEES, a nationally competitive nineweek summer internship hosted by the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research and sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium. The 2020 SEES internship was all virtual due to COVID-19. Through the program, students devote 10-15 hours a week looking at NASA data, developing and implementing a research design and collaborating with NASA experts on different projects. Kaura worked on mosquito mapping. “We worked on predicting where mosquitos would be in the future,” Kaura said. “I built mosquito traps out of things I found around the house, but my traps didn’t catch anything, so I wanted to focus on why that was. Even though my internship is completed, my research is still ongoing.” “Even though both HAS and SEES were rigorous internships, I had a blast in both because I was in my element,” Kaura said. “I encourage students who are interested in STEM to pursue these internships because you learn so much and you’re connected with top-notch professionals.”
20 September | October 2020
CFISD Athletes Named to Touchdown Club of Houston Preseason Football Team Bridgeland High School wide receiver Dylan Goffney and Cypress Ranch High School defensive back Romario Noel were among the standout football players named to and honored as a part of the Touchdown Club of Houston 2020 UIL High School Preseason Football Team. The honorees will be recognized on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. during a virtual ceremony. They were among 40 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.
Dylan Goffney
Since 2013, twenty-five CFISD players have been named to the preseason team, which included the district having multiple selections from 2014-2017. CFISD had three honorees in each of the last two years and seven standouts selected in 2016. For a full list of honorees and other information, visit the Touchdown Club website at www.touchdownclub.org.
Romario Noel
1st Day of School Cypress residents have shared photos with us of their kids starting a brand-new brick and mortar and online school year. For more 1st Day photos, go to our PinPointe Magazines Cypress Facebook page. Submitted by Racheal-Mitchamore
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22 September | October 2020
PINPOINTE
MAGAZINE
WA N T S
TO
Back To School
CFISD Schools will begin the 2020 - 2021 School year on September 8, 2020. As a result of Covid-19, Cy-Fair families have the option to (A), send their children back to the classroom, or (B), select online learning. Of the 41 families that responded, 71% are opting to return to their designated campuses. One family will be homeschooling this year. Here are a few of the responses. Samantha Spencer A - Both my husband and I have to work. If one of us doesn’t work, we cannot provide for our children, or won’t have a place to live. We don’t use the schools as daycare, we use it for enrichment, and the ability to stay above the poverty line. Lorraine Skipper B - I'm fortunate to have grown children who can do things for themselves. Plus, I only work part time, so I can monitor. We'll see what happens over the first grading period, then make a decision based on that info.
Christine Nguyen A - I asked my kids what they wanted to do and they both said that they wanted to go back to school. Kelley Ennis Mauk A - my boys are soooooooo missing the social interaction! They will both be wearing masks ALL DAY and washing their hands often, as we have been discussing it daily. I will also be sending their lunches daily to reduce trash and unnecessary contact with others! I will say, as a mom of a second and a third grader, it is so hard to homeschool both! Renee Matso Gray A - My girls miss their friends and are excited to be going back to school even though they have to wear masks.
KNOW: By Patricia Hudson
Anna Johnson Cordova A - 7th & 8th grade. Ashley Martin Dunham A - Freshman at Woods
Kathleen Smith Seaver A - Junior at Bridgeland. During the first phase from home when grades were not recorded, there was no incentive to participate or penalty for not, so my son took no action. During the second phase when attendance and grades were recorded, there wasn’t any challenging instruction in order to teach the masses, so he participated as needed, but no real gains in learning. My son is in the STEM program, gets good grades and plays football. He needs the in-person instruction to remain engaged and invested. Melissa Durham A - my only child will be starting kindergarten in person this year. As a widow who works outside the home and has a limited income, I am grateful for the choice to send her to school. Kellye Engelbracht Slatton A - my daughter is a senior, and the isolation in the spring really got to her. Having another child who was diagnosed with severe depression last year during his freshman year at college, the mental health repercussions are of great concern to me. Donnell Walker A - my son transferred after his sophomore year to Brautigam (Center) in efforts to graduate early. Guess this will be his senior year but I would rather die than have most of his high school memories spent at home.
Treasure West A - high schooler (her choice) B - Elementary schoolers (parents’ choice)
Erin Kamery Medina A - I am a teacher and will be required to be on campus, so I don't get the "luxury " of keeping my children home where they are safe.
Sallee Saltzman Riegler A - I get the feeling CFISD has grossly underestimated how many kids are coming back. I personally do not know of a single family that is signing up for virtual.
Amy Pepples Klafka C - After 6 years in CFISD, we are homeschooling with our own curriculum. Neither mode of learning was acceptable.
Meka Brown B - My child will not be a Guinea pig. Kasi Land B - I feel if they are keeping the bars shutdown and I can't work, then I can stay home and take care of my son and not have to worry so much. Valerie Rodriguez Arnold A - It was my high-schooler’s decision. Gail Marxhausen B - freshman in high school. PinPointe Magazine
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