Pinpointe's Towne Lake Edition

3 February | March 2017

PinPointe Magazine

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4 November | December 2020

Contents ON THE COVER: Dr. Mark Henry, Ed.D. CFISD Superintendent

Serving the Community of Towne Lake

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Grateful, Thankful, Blessed: Community Leaders Reflect on 2020

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16 How is Gratefulness Everywhere and Nowhere at the Same Time

10 Cypress Happenings

18 Music at School

11 Canine Corner

20 Cypress School News

10 Cypress Happenings

22 CFHH Seeks Assistance with Holiday Giving

12 Dine Out for Charity to Feed Families in Need 14 Best of Cy-Fair: Pho Houston

23 Dear Cypress

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ateful ankful Blessed

By Patricia Hudson

Community Leaders Reflect on 2020

A

s we enter this year’s holiday season of Thanksgiving, our thoughts turn to the blessings we have received this year.

Cy-Fair community leaders share their reflections, reminders that despite the pandemic, we have many things for which to be thankful.

Dr. Mark Henry, Ed.D. Leslie Martone

Superintendent Cy-Fair Independent School District “Although 2020 has been a challenging year, I am thankful for my family.

Since Cindy and I moved to Cy-Fair in 2011, we have gone from zero to seven grandchildren, and they all live in the Cy-Fair community – a real blessing. I am also thankful for my school family.

Throughout this crisis, they have supported our students and families with love and care. I am truly blessed to have two wonderful families – home and school.”

IOM President Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce “I am so thankful for this amazing community that I live in and I choose to raise my family in. We have amazing folks that live in Cy-Fair that really understand what giving back is all about. Hurricane Harvey and COVID has brought out the best in our community. We have seen businesses helping businesses and neighbor helping neighbor. Most of all I am thankful for my health and my beautiful family and friends. And last but not least, I am thankful for my faith! God is our provider, comforter and Father of all!”

Jean Dreyer Founder and Executive Director of Homeless Initiatives Cy-Fair Helping Hands “As I look back over my life, I see that God is faithful to provide what is needed to those who love Him. I am forever grateful, thankful, and blessed that God provides what is necessary for us to continue His work through donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and churches. How great is our God!” 6 November | December 2020

Julie Hinaman Trustee, Cy-Fair Independent School District “Like so many others, I am often overwhelmed by feelings of worry and despair during these challenging times.

Let’s face it…it’s hard to find the silver lining in a global pandemic. However, I have found comfort and hope by reflecting on what brings me joy and on the many blessings in my life. I am thankful for my family, especially the evolving relationships I have with my daughters as they become young adults. I am grateful for the partnership of my husband as we learn together how to parent through these new experiences. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my community as a CFISD school board member as we focus on meeting the educational needs of all of the students in our community. I am blessed to be a part of two incredible organizations– the Cy-Fair Fire Department and Cy-Hope – that are near and dear to my heart. Looking outside ourselves and serving others can often bring a new perspective encouraging a thankful and grateful heart.”

Cindy Boutwell Co-Owner, Boutwell Properties The Boutwell Team “There are hidden blessings in every struggle we go through. Covid has shown the true grit and spirit of our Cypress Community.

Thankful that we live in the amazing community of Cypress. Grateful for friendships and opportunities. Blessed to have my Mom, family and friends that inspire me to keep growing.”

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Dr. Seelpa Keshvala President Lone Star College-CyFair “In this season of Thanksgiving, we at Lone Star College-CyFair want you to know how grateful we are for you, the Cy-Fair community! You have supported us from the beginning -- starting in August 2000 when you voted overwhelmingly to approve an initiative to join the Lone Star College System (formerly NHMCCD). And since that time, you have partnered with us in so many ways to ensure we can provide the best possible educational experience for our students. We are so thankful for each of you, and we look forward to being your community college for years to come! Happy Thanksgiving!”

Daniel Arizpe Captain, Public Information Officer #1 Cy-Fair Fire Department “We are thankful for our first responders and medics serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyday our crews put their own health and safety on the line, we thank them for their dedicated service to the Cy-Fair community.

We continue to persevere through this global pandemic and our crews stand ready to respond to any hazard that may threaten the Cy-Fair community.”

8 November | December 2020

Lynda Zelenka Executive Director Cy-Hope “Grateful for HOPE beyond what is seen and for our community rallying in the midst of a pandemic and helping Cy-Hope to continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.

Thankful for support and encouragement from family, friends and work associates as we navigate uncharted territory.

Being able to do life with each other and working for the better good for all.

Blessed to be a blessing — even when life is not always easy, we have the opportunity to show love and grace, then see something beautiful emerge from adversity and brokenness.”

Cyndy Gusler Founder and Executive Director From the Vine Ministries “From the Vine Ministries is SO THANKFUL for our peaceful and gorgeous safe haven to welcome and minister to our community. We are SO BLESSED to partner with local health groups and businesses to provide resources for those overwhelmed with various issues of life. We are SO GRATEFUL for the opportunity God has given us to encourage, mentor and love on our women and teens, building up strong foundations for family and faith!”

PinPointe Magazine

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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

CyFair Nutcracker Market Saturday, December 12, 2020 • 9am-5pm The Berry Center • 8877 Barker Cypress Rd. • Cypress, TX Women’s and Children’s Boutique Clothing, Home, Holiday and Garden Decor, Handmade and Fashion Jewelry, Gourmet food items and more. Interested vendors Email Holidayextravaganza@yahoo.com with full business info!

Tribute to Veterans Virtual Concert Presented by Commissioner R. Jack Cagle Wednesday, November 11, 2020 • 6pm Precinct 4 Encore! invites everyone to enjoy a virtual concert featuring the Texas A&M University Singing Cadets. Following a presentation of flags by the Atascocita High School Junior ROTC, viewers will enjoy a moving, patriotic concert and special guest speakers. Visit www.facebook.com/HCPrecinct4 to view the virtual concert or call 713-274-4050 for more information.

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

Langham Creek FFA Holiday Craft Show Saturday, November 14, 2020 • 9am-5pm 11206 Telge Rd • Cypress, TX 77429 Langham Creek FFA Holiday Craft Show hosts amazing vendors from all over Texas in 155+ booths! Shop amazing crafts, baked goods, visit the silent auction and taste our juicy amazing brisket at our concession stand.

Let’s Talk Babies Online : LSC-CyFair Library Tuesdays • 1-2pm - ONLINE Moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers, join our discussion group about taking care of babies, newborn to 2 years old.

Tuesdays 1-2pm at cyflib.info/talkbabies. Rachel.Evans@lonestar.edu

Fairfield Women’s Club Monthly Meeting

Lone Star College and Harris County Are Helping GET YOU BACK TO WORK

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 • 7-9pm Bradford Creek Clubhouse • 16011 Fairfield Green Circle • Cypress

FREE training for in-demand careers for those impacted by COVID-19.

TIME IS LIMITED! Lonestar.edu/CE

10 November | December 2020

Canine Corner H

By Patricia Hudson and Sophia Hudson, the Rescue Yorkiepoo

appy Holidays, everyone! My new friend is a tiny gal, but, if given the chance, is ready to give LOTS of love to someone special. Could it be you?

Meet Gigi, aka Garage Girl, a Yorkshire Terrier/Cairn Terrier Mix. She was found in someone’s garage... terrified, starved, dehydrated, matted, covered with fleas and a fear biter. She slept and didn't move for 3 days in her foster home, but once she felt better, she is a total love bug. Gigi is her foster mom’s shadow. And her tail never stops wagging. Gigi weighs just under 6 lbs., is 1-2 years of age and has a little spunk, but mostly she wants in your arms, near you, or in your lap. She is great with other dogs, as well. But she is near your feet often, so no one heavy on their feet in her adopted home.

Want to provide a forever home for Gigi? Musts include another little dog companion, a fenced yard, and seasoned dog owners with no children under 10 in the home. Adopters must have excellent vet check/references past and or present, and must live in the Houston, Austin, or San Antonio area.

To complete an application for Gigi, go to: www.tinypawsrescue.com

Gigi

Tiny Paws and Chi Rescue is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of small breed, tiny dogs in the Spring, Tomball, and Woodlands areas near Houston. The Tiny Paws Resale Shop is located at 308 E Main Street, Tomball, TX 77375, and is open Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Donate at: paypal.me/tinypawsrescuedog

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of Cy-Fair Metta’s Local Eats The PBest L AC E S TO E AT Dine Out for Charity

to Feed Families in Need

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Story and Photos by Metta Marie Archilla-Ishida

hree years ago, I The participating list is established a partnership currently up to over forty with Cy-Fair Helping Restaurants and Artisan Hands, a community non-profit eateries, and is climbing daily. geared towards putting food Included are local favorites into the bellies of the Hungry like Andy’s Kitchen, and Homeless. Since its (The Thanksgiving Burger), beginning, this program has Duck ’n Bao, (Soup Dumplings), resulted in providing more than Land of a Thousand Hills, two tons of food, and funding for (Any Croissant), Charlie D’s CFHH. For this year’s initiative, Pizza, (Family Value Deal), we’ve gone bigger and bolder Cupcake Cowgirls, (6-pak of with “Metta’s Local Eats Dine Cupcakes), Jersey Bagels, Out for Charity.” MLE has (Deli Turkey Meal Deal), Nyam proudly partnered with local Nyam Café, (Any Sweet Crepe and area restaurants and and a Mettamosa combo), artesian eateries to help feed Rockwell Grill, (Soft Pretzel), Andy’s Kitchen - Thanksgiving Turkey Burger those in need. It is as easy as Hanan’s Café, (Empanadas), YOU dine out and enjoy eating a variety of 2 Guys 1 Pit, (Burnt Ends), Brooks Place, LLC, participating appetizers, entrees, and sweet treats, (3-Meat Plate), Ambriza, The Union Kitchen, and the restaurant/artesian eaterie gives a and many, many more. designated dollar amount of your meal, for every unit purchased, now through December 31, 2020. With the first month of the quarter in the books, we find local restaurants digging deep and giving How does this all work? Join the “Metta’s Local it all they can in support of CFHH. Andy Correa Eats” Facebook Food Group OR click “Like” to of Andy’s Kitchen, a contributing front runner, together with other small local follow the “Metta’s Local Eats shops, have already raised Dine Out for Charity” FB page, w h e re a c o m p re h e n s ive , $5,000. up-to-date list of participating What is all this buzz for anyway? restaurants is maintained. There, This is the envelopment of Food you will see what each restaurant and Fellowship into the is offering as a qualifying item, Community to create a solid AND how much of each purchase foundation for our children’s goes directly to Cy-Fair Helping future. This is about helping our Hands. It is truly LOCALS helping neighbors during a time where LOCALS in a handshake to lift our the economy is proving to be a very own community, putting challenge and jobs lost or lives good sustainable food on shattered.

This is about recipients’ tables.

Land of a Thousand Hills - Croissants providing HOPE one can of 12 November | December 2020

feverishly every day to sustain a need that has tripled since COVID became prevalent.

When you eat at any of the participating restaurants or purchase a qualifying item, save your receipts and join the Metta’s Local Eats FB Page for a chance to win one of many gift cards simply by “Dining Out for Charity.”

If you are interested in becoming a partnered restaurant, please contact Mettaslocaleats@aol.com

soup or bowl of pasta at a time in feeding the hungry in our community. This is about giving to Cy-Fair Helping Hands, whose volunteers are working

Duck ’n Bao - Soup Dumplings

Graphics and Media Sponsorship for Metta's Local Eats Dine Out for Charity is being provided by Lisa C. Benoit of the Benoit Dream Team, Abby Realty.

Metta Marie Archilla-Ishida is a Founder of Metta’s Local Eats - a local Facebook Group, #onmettasfork

PinPointe Magazine

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PHO HOUSTON

The Best of Cy-Fair P L AC E S TO E AT Story & Photos by Patricia Hudson our simple dishes. We use local ranch beef for our Pho, produce that was grown in our own greenhouse, homemade ingredients for our garlic oily, pate, and five spice sauce,” comments Vu. Getting back to the object of my affection, I asked Vu to explain the fascination of Pho. “Pho is a beef broth soup with rice noodles, served with various cuts of meat, from fresh cuts of filets to tender brisket. Pho is being served at every corner, every city in Vietnam, each region with its own flavor and herbs, mostly freshly prepared. It is a gourmet style meal, prepared fresh and served in the instant, the moment you order, perfect for lunch and this cooler Texas weather.”

G

rowing up in a small Kentucky town, I have fond memories of family night dinners of egg rolls, fried rice doused in soy sauce and Chow Mein, all eaten gingerly with chop sticks, and of course, fortune cookies from Ho Kow, the one Chinese restaurant in town. Since then, my appreciation of Asian cuisine has grown to include one special Vietnamese dish: Pho. While many restaurants sell this savory dish, one of my favorites, Pho Houston, is owned and operated by Vu Nguyen.

Not only do I enjoy his food, but it is his dedication to family and culture, community and commitment to country that draws me in, again and again.

“My mama and I have been serving food in Houston for almost 20 years, and there is nothing that fascinates me more than finding my childhood memories through food.

That's why at Pho Houston, we only use the best fresh ingredients for 14 November | December 2020

I truly enjoy the scent of a steaming bowl of pho as it is carried, almost reverently, to my table. There is something delightful at being able to select my cuts of meat, add crisp bean sprouts, my favorite herb, Thai basil, and LOTS of squeezed lime juice. I add hoisin sauce for sweetness, and, depending on my need for adventure, dashes of sriracha and a slice or two of jalapenos. Truth be told, I MIGHT add just one jalapeno. There is something so very comforting about that bowl of pho that I could honestly eat it EVERY DAY! Vu Nguyen Google experts say it might even reduce swelling and improve joint health for this decrepit body. Add a Shrimp Spring Roll, and a Fruity Mango Tea, and I’ve found my bliss!

Pho is not the only thing that thrills the palette on the Pho Houston menu. Vietnamese Banh Mi, made with crispy baguettes, mouthwatering meats, homemade mayonnaise, a mix of cucumber and pickles with daikon, are popular diner choices. The Grilled Shrimp Rice Plate is another of my favorites, and if you’ve never had Shaken Beef, Mama Nguyen’s recipe is juicy and tender, with a

“French-influenced sauce,” butter and garlic, and Vietnamese style street fried rice with eggs.

“We look for new ways to introduce Vietnamese tastes that match with the Tex-Mex culture. Our latest dish on the menu is a taco with Vietnamese style grilled pork shoulder or chicken breast with lemongrass-honey glazed sauce. The texture is crispy from fresh cut vegetables, and a balanced richness and savory taste from the well-seasoned smoky pork.”

Vu Nguyen, at 32 years old, is one of the most driven young men I know. Not only is he the owner/operator of Pho Houston, but he keeps an eye on Viva, his mother’s restaurant, just down the road at 1960. He puts in “sweat equity” at his greenhouse which supplies flowers and plants to landscaping companies, and makes time to arrange get-togethers for his Vietnamese friends. As a high school student, he joined JROTC, where he decided that he wanted to serve this country. As that time, finances would not

allow him to follow his dream, so he worked alongside his mother to open a Vietnamese restaurant. Some 15 years later, he has enlisted in the Army Reserves. No novice to social media, Nguyen exhorts his Vietnamese community to “get involved in the community, and give back through service.” A regular bilingual volunteer at Cy-Fair Helping Hands, Vu has committed to donating $1 for every hot or cold sandwich sold until the end of December through Metta’s Local Eats Dine Out for Charity, benefitting Cy-Fair Helping Hands. One last thing; Vu Nguyen is single.

Pho Houston 8552 Hwy. 6 North • Suite 300 • Houston, TX 77095 832-906-6893 • phohouston.co Days/Hours of Operation: Sunday-Saturday: 10am-8pm

For more restaurant reviews visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.

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By Allison Okuneye

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ou see it everywhere you go, on t-shirts, facebook cover photos, coffee mugs, and home decor. The concept of gratitude has surrounded us like never before. Even with the constant reminders all around us, it shocks me how many people have trouble with the actual practice of gratitude.

We live in a time where we are constantly comparing our lives to the lives of our friends/coworkers and total strangers, so it is no wonder why some of us have a hard time focusing on what we DO have instead of what we don’t have. Each of us have an overabundance of things that we can be grateful for. Let me say that again for those in the back...EACH OF US HAVE AN OVERABUNDANCE OF THINGS THAT WE CAN BE GRATEFUL FOR!! The key to living a full life, is the ability to see the positives in each season of our lives. This year has been devastating for so many people and for different reasons. In the midst of this tough time, we have the opportunity to practice real gratitude.

Gratitude is an everyday CHOICE and it takes daily, moment to moment practice. For example, in moments of

16 November | December 2020

frustration at work you can pause and be grateful for the ability to work, or be grateful that you have a job, or even a moment of gratitude for your work bestie who brightens your day!

There are SOO many situations big and small that we can practice our gratitude, but it is up to each of us to make it a priority. In the name of FULL transparency, this past year has been difficult on my marriage. At the beginning of the year I bought a gratitude journal and made an effort to follow the daily prompts. This daily practice was helpful in multiple ways. It helped refocus my energy and instead of letting negative feelings consume me, I was able to focus on the positives and that helped lift my spirits and start my day off on the right foot.

I will never forget one night, after a long argument with my husband, I went in my office in an attempt to cool off. I found myself reading over my gratitude journal and who do you think was on almost every page...my husband. As much as I wanted to stay mad at him and focus on my FEELINGS in that moment....the FACTS (in my own words) were right in front of my face. I needed that reminder in

that moment because in tough situations it is really easy to let our feelings take over and spiral. As much as I was prepared to drag that argument into the following day, after reading through my journal I was quickly reminded that I am GRATEFUL for my husband and all of his positive traits and was then prompted to resolve our disagreement that night.

Even in dark times, we can make a choice to be grateful. But it is a CHOICE. Some days are easier that others, but it is worth working at every single day. We are all responsible for the life we live, and gratitude is FREE and available to all of us, so what will YOU choose?

Stay fearless and grateful.

Allison Okuneye

@dkdesignheadwear | dkdesignheadwear@gmail.com

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by Liz Arrington love the first day of school! One of the highlights of the back to school season is seeing my Facebook feed fill up with pictures of my friends’ kids with fresh haircuts, new outfits, and backpacks that are way too big for little bodies, proudly holding up some kind of sign declaring the first day of a new school year. Full of excitement, a little nervous, feeling so proud and grown.

I

This month, I was so excited to be able to share my own “back to school” photo as I returned to teaching in a preschool setting. I happily announced my new position as the new Music and Creative Movement teacher at the Copperfield Church Preschool. With my own fresh haircut, new outfit, and oversized teacher bags; I’ve jumped, danced, clapped, laughed, and sang my way into a new school year with a fabulous group of cheerful toddlers and preschoolers.

Music is such a natural component to early childhood education, we are all born musical! In my classes, even the most shy and reserved child is receiving the rich developmental benefits of musical learning. Music supports cognitive 18 November | December 2020

development, language processing, emotional and social development, even physical growth and development. With all of the research that supports our understanding of the benefits in educational settings, there is such a strong argument for keeping music and the arts present in our schools. Especially in this period of time where we are creating new ways of interacting and teaching, music is there to support our teachers and our little ones through new ways of doing school.

I am lucky enough to witness these benefits firsthand. In the first weeks of school, we’ve used music to ease first day jitters, help us remember to wash our hands and keep them away from our faces, we learn important skills of self control, learn and remember names, we’ve gotten silly, and burned off much needed energy on rainy days. We have one song that is literally the only effective way to gather a group of very curious and energetic 2 year olds. I get to see the smiles and hear the laughter, and see the learning that has already taken place in just a few weeks. I’m so lucky to get to share these moments with these little ones.

School settings are the first and most consistent exposure to music that many children experience.

Participating in making music by singing, dancing, playing with instruments and exploring a variety of sounds and rhythms is crucial for the development of basic musical competence, as well as the diving off point for the full range of developmental benefits of music.

As a music teacher, I am keenly aware of this fact and I am passionate in the belief that ALL children deserve to experience the joy of freely participating and enjoying music on a regular basis.

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.

In my work, I focus a lot on encouraging parents to keep music and creativity present in their homes. Engaging in play and music together as a family. I also encourage parents to ask about music in their schools.

Whether you are choosing a mother’s day out program, fulltime daycare setting, private or public school, schooling at home or in person, or even looking for enrichment activities for your babies and toddlers, music is always there to support your little one in their educational journey.

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CYPRESS SCHOOL NEWS News Source: CFISD News

CFISD Trustee Julie Hinaman Selected for Leadership TASB Program CFISD Board of Trustees member Julie Hinaman was selected to be a member of the 2021 class of Leadership TASB, a program sponsored by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB).

The class of 2021 consists of 27 school board members from across Texas and represents school districts of all sizes, with student populations of 1,200-110,000. Participants will complete a yearlong education leadership study program, and those who complete all required elements of the study will graduate next year earning Master Trustee status. Master Trustee is the highest designation recognized by TASB. All Leadership TASB members from the class of 2021 met virtually Oct. 1-3 to receive training in conjunction with the Texas Association of School Administrators/TASB Convention. Other Leadership TASB sessions are scheduled throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Each session has a unique theme that builds on the previous sessions and features nationally recognized experts in the fields of leadership

development and education. Leadership TASB has more than 900 graduates to date.

“I am honored to be selected to join the 2021 Leadership TASB cohort,” Hinaman said. “I look forward to learning from my fellow trustees from across the state so that I can better serve the CFISD community.”

TASB is a voluntary, nonprofit association established in 1949 to serve local Texas school districts. School board members are the largest group of publicly elected officials in the state. The districts they represent serve more than 5.4 million public school students.

CFISD High Schools Recognized in U.S. News & World Report Rankings Cypress Woods and Cypress Ranch high schools ranked among the top 1,700 U.S. high schools in the country, while Cy-Fair and Cypress Creek high schools gave Cypress-Fairbanks ISD four schools among the top 3,500 nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual list of America’s Best High Schools.

Graduation rates and college readiness were among the numerous metrics used to determine the top schools. Data was drawn from the 2017-2018 school year, using state and federal datasets.

Of more than 24,000 high schools reviewed across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, approximately 17,790 public high schools were ranked. Among those were 10 eligible CFISD high schools.

The rankings methodology totaled a 100-point scale. Highestranked schools were those whose students excelled on state testing and performed beyond expectations, participated in and passed a variety of college-level exams and graduated in high proportions.

Cypress Woods was ranked at 1,314 in the nation and 138 in Texas with a 98-percent graduation rate and overall score of 92.61.

Cypress Ranch was ranked 1,606 in the nation and 160 in Texas with a 98-percent graduation rate and overall score of 90.97.

Cy-Fair was ranked 3,003 in the nation and 258 in Texas. Cypress Creek was ranked 3,487 in the nation and 293 in Texas.

Six other CFISD high schools were ranked nationally:

20 November | December 2020

Langham Creek High School, Cypress Falls High School, Cypress Ridge High School, Jersey Village High School. Cypress Lakes High School, and Cypress Springs High School.

Texans Honor Swenke ES Teacher as Stars in the Classroom Winner Swenke Elementary School fifth grade teacher Ellen Cummings was honored as a First Community Credit Union (FCCU) Texans Stars in the Classroom winner on Oct. 13. Cummings joins Farney Elementary School first grade teacher Dana Leasure as the second CFISD teacher to be recognized this year.

Cummings, who was nominated by former Swenke student Dreux Arrambide, earned a surprise visit from Houston Texans linebacker Brennan Scarlett via Zoom. Scarlett shared his education journey with Cummings and her students and answered student questions, including what inspired Scarlett to pursue football and what his favorite subject is.

In addition to the surprise visit, Cummings received a custom painted football, a yard sign, a $500 donation to the district in her name, a $200 H-E-B gift card, a $100 Uber Eats voucher and a Stars in the Classroom tote bag and water bottle.

“Students are the most important piece in this education puzzle,” Cummings said. “Nothing can compare to being recognized for our efforts by the students themselves. Knowing I made an impact on Dreux is heartwarming and makes me feel so special. This honor serves as a reminder that building relationships with our students is number one!”

Bridgeland Runners Sweep District 16-6A Cross Country Titles The Bridgeland High School girls’ and boys’ cross country teams swept the District 16-6A titles at the Cross Country Championships, held Oct. 30 at Spring Creek Park in Tomball. For the Bridgeland girls, this is their third straight team championship after capturing two consecutive District 14-6A titles in 2018 and 2019, respectively. For the Bridgeland boys, this is their second consecutive team title after placing first in 2019.

The Bridgeland girls took six out of the top 10 spots, earning 17 points. The Bears finished in front of runner-up Cy-Woods (53) and third-place Cy-Ranch High School (71).

The Bridgeland boys took five out of the top 10 spots, earning the team 19 points. Cy-Ranch placed second (50), followed by Cy-Woods (89).

The following District 16-6A female runners advanced to regionals: 1st Emily Ellis BHS 2nd Elisa Grillo BHS 3rd Cassidy Graham BHS 4th Lauren Fritz CWHS 5th Allison Millan BHS 6th Athena Reyna BHS 7th Madeleine Wilson BHS 8th Emma Elsbury CRHS 9th Ariane Williams CWHS 10th Anna DeMeritt CRHS

The following District 16-6A male runners advanced to regionals: 1st Randy Smith BHS 2nd Jacob Grosch BHS 3rd Ethan Conville BHS 4th Thierry Garcon CRHS 5th Pablo Martinez CSHS 6th Noah Willows BHS 7th Alex Chambliss BHS 8th Luke DeMeritt CRHS 9th Andres Herrera CRHS 10th Alan Alvarado CRHS

Each year, FCCU teams up with the Houston Texans to help students thank 10 exceptional Houston-area teachers. Students can nominate teachers who have made an impact on them to show their appreciation. Students who nominate teachers chosen for the honor also receive an autographed football.

“There is really nothing better than having a teacher recognized for their outstanding work by a student,” said Liz Miller, Swenke principal. “Mrs. Cummings is an exceptional teacher who makes magic happen in her classroom every day! But what makes her extraordinary is her ability to connect to the students who step foot into her room both physically and virtually. Being nominated by a former student is evidence of her commitment to her students, her love of her students and her relational capacity that allows her to connect to each student on an individual level. Swenke Elementary is a better place because of Mrs. Cummings.”

For more school news visit: www.bestofcyfair.com.

And follow us on facebook: Pinpointe Magazines - Cypress PinPointe Magazine

21

Cy-Fair Helping Hands Seeks Assistance with Holiday Giving

By Patricia Hudson

Thanksgiving Blessings Boxes

Cards of Hope

Cy-Fair Helping Hands will be distributing Thanksgiving Blessings Boxes, (contents for a complete Thanksgiving meal, together with a $20 - $25 WalMart gift card for a turkey or ham), to clients and families in need in the Cy-Fair community.

Did you know that there are hundreds of homeless students in CFISD? The holiday season is a bleak time for those living from day to day, not knowing where they will sleep, or if they will even have a meal to eat. With the help of our community partners, our Homeless Teen Initiatives’ Cards of Hope program added joy to the lives of 550 CFISD students at Christmas last year when each received a $50 gift card to use as they wished. These needs are even greater this holiday season.

CFHH is requesting assistance with donations for this Thanksgiving program. We have a goal of providing 620 of these boxes for our struggling clients, and others within our community. We have faith that the good people of Cy-Fair will help to provide the items needed to reach our goal.

Items needed: mac & cheese, apple/peach/cherry pie filling and boxed Jiffy pie crust mix, boxed mashed potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, canned corn, green beans, and peas, chicken broth or Cream of Mushroom/Cream of Chicken soup, boxed Jiffy Corn Bread mix, and turkey gravy. In order to meet this goal, 1,240 of each item, and 620 gift cards are needed.

Nonperishable donations are requested to be delivered by Sunday, November 15. 7520 Cherry Park Drive, Suite B, Houston, 77095. Email Patricia Hudson, Executive Director of Community Outreach: phudson@cyfairhelpinghands.org to arrange delivery dates and times.

To donate, please email Jean Dreyer, Executive Director of Homeless Initiatives: jean@cyfairhelpinghands.org. Monetary donations may be made by going to our cyfairhelpinghands.org, to our gift catalog, or may be mailed to: 7710 Cherry Park Drive, #T-385, Houston, TX 77095.

Christmas Stockings

Monetary donations may be delivered or mailed to: 7710 Cherry Park Drive, #T-385, Houston, TX 77095, or by going to our website, cyfairhelpinghands.org, to our gift catalog.

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22 November | December 2020

For more information about our Homeless Initiatives and our Community Outreach Programs, please visit our website and our Facebook page, Cy-Fair Helping Hands.

Cy-Fair Helping Hands 7520 Cherry Park Drive Suite B • Houston, TX 77095 www.cyfairhelpinghands.org To Donate Funds: www.cyfairhelpinghands.org

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Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our Client Christmas party this year. While it is disappointing, we know that it is the safest thing to do, and will ensure that volunteers and clients will be safer for it. Instead, with Santa’s help, we plan to hand out Christmas stockings to client children that come through a drive-through visit with the jolly old elf. Our goal is 500 stockings filled with candy and small toys. For more information contact Pat Hudson at phudson@cyfairhelpinghands.org.

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Dear Cypress, Thank you.

I wish there were a bigger phrase to express my gratitude to this community. For the readers who aren’t familiar with me, I’m a nineteen year old graduate from Cypress Ranch. I was the president of National Honor Society, National English Honors Society, and the Social Chair for our Theatre Leadership Council. I love writing and am so proud of the Scholastic International Medal I had been fortunate enough to earn with the help of my amazing English teachers. I love traveling, Willie Nelson, and hanging out with friends. The night of June 1, 2020, I was grabbing dinner with a few of them to finish planning our graduation party. I took Mound Rd. home from the Towne Lake Boardwalk and had parked my car to allegedly pick up some litter in the road

by Lauren Koops Photo Credit: Tanya Saenz

(guilty tree hugger tendencies).

Unfortunately, I was then struck by another car. One of my neighbors witnessed the entire accident and removed me from the oncoming traffic. Because Cypress is stationed between two police zones, we had countless first responders quickly there to help. I was then Life Flighted to the Med Center and followed by my parents.

All in all, I shuffled between three hospitalizations suffering critical ligament and bone damage in both legs, a wrist break, and a traumatic brain injury. I returned home on July 2 and started the next chapter of recovery. I have now completed my four surgeries and look forward to marking a full recovery the first week of November! Life after this journey is hopefully taking me to a spring semester at UT-San Antonio, and a sophomore year at UTAustin.

kindness is-- it truly saved my life by taking me off of that road on June 1. The extension of selfless kindness from all directions is inexplicably astounding. I’ve received such loving messages, letters, gifts, and even a signed Willie Nelson guitar! I never before knew the extent of goodness in this community’s heart.

I hope all those reading would see just how vastly loved and cared for they are here in Cypress. We have incredible neighbors, and it doesn’t take being hit by a car to feel their support.

Wi sh i ng a r e t u r n o f you r outpouring love, generosity, and support.

- Lauren Koops

My best friend was updating a Facebook page to share my conditions as I recovered, and we were shocked to find that more than three thousand people followed. I am still so surprised by the heart that everyone has. My faith has kept my spirits lifted throughout this endeavor, and all of the love from my community has most definitely contributed, as well. I’ve learned how profound the principle of PinPointe Magazine

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