IN
SIDER LA PORTE ISD Fall/Winter 2022
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Bulldogs are Back! Athletes excel in all areas Page 14
Top Rated Schools Outstanding commitment to education in La Porte ISD Page 3
Partners in Education La Porte ISD brings back a popular program Page 16
MAKING AN EVERYDAY IMPACT
HCDE makes a BIG impact on Harris County communities through specialized schools; Head Start early childhood education; afterschool programs; school-based therapy services; and adult education.
See the Impact at HCDE-TEXAS.ORG/IMPACT
CONTENTS A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Walter G. Jackson Superintendent of Schools
Board of Trustees
David Janda, President Russell Schoppe, Vice President Jeff Martin, Secretary Melissa Crutcher, Trustee Danny Hanks, Trustee Chris Murdock, Trustee Dee Anne Thomson, Trustee 1002 San Jacinto La Porte, Texas 77571 281-604-7000
lpisd.org
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La Porte ISD Insider
Adam J. Holland Director of Communications & Community Relations Kimberly Culver Communications Coordinator Becky Debbrecht Technician Diana Solis Secretary to Director of Communications & Community Relations Luisa Rodriguez Clerk/Receptionist Communications
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SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI & CITIZENS
KEEPING LA PORTE ISD SAFE
BULLDOG BRIDGE & REAL WORLD SKILLS
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SMALL TOWN BIG STAGE
is a community magazine published by the La Porte ISD Communications Department to inform community members about La Porte Independent School District and its campuses.
TOP-RATED SCHOOLS
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INCREDIBLE SUPPORT & EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
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HEALTH & SAFETY FAIR AND BOND EXPLORATION
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AP SCHOLARS
9 STEM SPOTLIGHT
11 BUILDING LEADERS
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ATHLETICS & STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
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ON THE COVER - La Porte High School senior Fisher Knapik, wide receiver for the Bulldogs varsity football team, carries the American flag before the opening ceremonies for the Oct. 9 Homecoming football game against Goose Creek Memorial. The La Porte Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability in providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Title IX Coordinator is Angela Garza-Viator (garzaa@lpisd.org), executive director of human resources, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7110. The Section 504 Coordinator is Billye Trader (traderb@lpisd.org), executive director of special programs, 1002 San Jacinto, La Porte, Texas 77571, Telephone (281) 604-7034. La Porte ISD Insider • 1
Leadership
Greetings from the Superintendent
D
ear La Porte Family,
Today is a great day to be a Bulldog! It has been a great start of the 202223 school year! Our teachers are teaching and inspiring our students toward academic excellence, and our students are working hard at learning in our classrooms and new elementary STEM labs.
Dr. Walter Jackson Superintendent of Schools
I am proud to report that La Porte ISD earned an 87 (B) in the Texas Education Agency’s accountability system for the 2021-22 school year! Five of our elementary schools earned an A-rating; four other district schools earned a B. Among all campuses, we earned 20 academic distinctions, which signal the highest in achievement in certain academic areas! We are working hard to build on our academic success and earn even higher achievement levels and more distinctions in 202223. Safety and security have always been the highest priority in La Porte ISD, and we continuously review and update our processes. In addition to the numerous security enhancements made over the summer, the La Porte Police Department has increased its daily presence on every campus with additional patrols and exterior safety checks. We now employ new technology to help keep our campuses safe, and we have most recently installed access control gates at several campuses.
It is our belief that community involvement in our schools creates more success stories for everyone, and I am excited to announce that La Porte ISD has launched its Partners in Education program. In short, Partners in Education brings the community into our classrooms by way of mentors, volunteers and collaborations with our business and industry partners. We will be sharing more about this program in the days and weeks ahead, and we look forward to building new relationships. We hope that you will continue to spread the good news about all the wonderful things happening in our district. We want families to choose La Porte! In your service, Dr. Walter Jackson Superintendent of Schools
2 • La Porte ISD Insider
Top Rated Schools La Porte ISD earns 87 (B) TEA accountability rating, 20 academic distinctions
La Porte ISD received an 87 (B) on its Texas Education Agency A-F accountability ratings for the 2021-22 school year. Five elementary schools received an A rating, while four other schools were rated as a B. The A-F scale rates districts based on three different domains: Student achievement performance across all subjects for all students, on both general and alternate assessments; College, Career, and Military Readiness indicators; and graduation rates. In addition to a campus letter grade, TEA also acknowledged Distinction Designations. These Distinctions recognize districts and campuses for outstanding achievement relative to other (similar) campuses across Texas. “We are very proud of our teachers and students for achieving this great accomplishment,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “Everyone worked very hard to get us here, and we are continuing that work to earn even higher achievement ratings and distinctions for 2022-23.”
2022 Elementary Distinction Designations Math Heritage Elementary, College Park Elementary Science Heritage Elementary, La Porte Elementary, Lomax Elementary, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary
TEA A and B-rated Campuses A-rated campuses College Park Elementary, Heritage Elementary, La Porte Elementary, Lomax Elementary, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary B-rated campuses Jennie Reid Elementary, La Porte High School, The Academy of Viola DeWalt High School, and La Porte Junior High School
Comparative Academic Growth Heritage Elementary, La Porte Elementary, College Park Elementary Postsecondary Readiness Heritage Elementary, La Porte Elementary, College Park Elementary, Lomax Elementary, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary Comparative Closing the Gaps Heritage Elementary, La Porte Elementary, College Park Elementary, Lomax Elementary, Leo A. Rizzuto Elementary
Every student‘ s success is our number one priority! La Porte ISD Insider • 3
Social-Emotional Learning
What is social-emotional learning?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success. People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially.
Character traits of the month August – Courage September – Respect October – Responsibility and Integrity November – Gratitude December – Kindness January – Cooperation February – Empathy March – Perseverance April – Honesty May – Creativity
Learn more:
Join the 500 Club!
Supporting the La Porte Education Foundation
By donating to the La Porte Education 500 Club, you can provide the following to a classroom in La Porte ISD: $500 = A Language Arts Learning Station $500 = STEM Lab $500 = Set of Books for a Classroom Library $500 = Electronic Multiplication Flash Card Device
Being a Member is Rewarding! Recognition on the LPEF Website Invitation to the Dollar Patrol Invitation to attend Breakfast with the Stars
Text LPEF500 to 50155 to become a member or call 281-604-7038 for more information. 4 • La Porte ISD Insider
Distinguished Alumni & Citizens Five years of Distinguished Alumni & Citizens The Distinguished Alumni & Citizens Awards were established in September 2017 by the La Porte Independent School District superintendent of schools. Its purpose is to recognize and honor graduates of the La Porte Independent School District and community members whose achievements, strength of character, and citizenship serve as models to inspire and challenge today’s students. The Distinguished Alumni Awards Selection Committee is charged with establishing the highest standards in conferring these awards. Honorees are nominated at large and chosen by a committee of community and district volunteers, who submit their selections to the Board of Trustees for approval. Distinguished alumni and citizens have typically excelled professionally and served the communities in which they live. To celebrate our inductees, an induction luncheon is held on the Friday of Homecoming weekend. A brief ceremony also takes place prior to festivities at the homecoming football game. The Distinguished Alumni Award is open to any alumnus or alumna who graduated from La Porte High School, Viola DeWalt High School or the former Carver High School no fewer than 10 years prior to the nomination. The award is open to former La Porte ISD employees, as well. A Distinguished Citizen Award recipient must have been a resident or worked within La Porte ISD and must be an individual of such integrity, stature and demonstrated ability that the award will reflect honor on the school district and create a sense of pride among the members of the community.
Congratulations!
Alumni
Kerron Clement 2018
Gene Washington 2018
Russell Ybarra 2018
Sonja Angelo 2019
Martha Love 2019
Britton Phillips 2019
Carroll Lundin 2020
Pat Studdert 2020
Forrest Wiegand 2020
Denise Mitrano 2021
Tommy Moser 2021
Lloyd Wells 2021
Charlcya Wheeler 2021
Terri Cook 2022
Joel Fagan 2022
Debbie Wade 2022
Jesse T. Garcia 2018
Charlie Perry 2019
John Black 2020
Patricia Thomson 2021
Robert Crippen 2021
Citizens
Rachel Cotton 2022
Ann Malone 2022
Be sure to visit the Distinguished Alumni & Citizens Hall of Honor at the Bulldog Centre on the La Porte High School campus. La Porte ISD Insider • 5
Keeping La Porte ISD Safe
La Porte ISD is committed to the safety and security of all students, staff, and visitors. A comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) has been developed to address the four phases of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. Various drills such as fire drills, severe weather drills, and intruder drills are examples of measures taken by campuses to prepare students for an emergency. Additionally, La Porte ISD partners with the City of La Porte Police Department to ensure campuses have a police presence daily. The district also cooperates with local and regional emergency agencies to address issues related to incident management.
What is the district doing to keep our students and staff safe? •
Upgraded controlled access (entrances/exits) throughout the District
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Visitor management system at each campus with background checking capability
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Districtwide Safety & Security Committee with various stakeholders
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State-of-the-art emergency management software
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Districtwide panic alert system that dials directly to campus police & local dispatch
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District radios with select channels to communicate throughout the district & with local dispatch
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Upgraded camera systems across the district; addition of 150+ cameras at select campuses
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Scan system on La Porte ISD buses to ensure student monitoring
La Porte ISD School Resource Officers
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Front row, from left, Sgt. Matt Novosad, La Porte High School; Yvonne Stanley, D.A.R.E. Officer, James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus; John Tristan, La Porte High School. Back row, Chris Page, Lomax Junior High; Barry Groaning, Academy of Viola DeWalt High School and Secondary DAEP; Shane Neal, La Porte Junior High and Matt Parsons, La Porte High School. 6 • La Porte ISD Insider
District Safety Updates at a Glance
SEE SOMETHING? SAY SOMETHING.
Bulldog Bridge
Helping special needs students transition from school to society La Porte ISD’s Bulldog Bridge program helps special needs graduates of La Porte High School transition from school to adult life. Currently, the Bridge offers services to 10 graduate students. These students have been making and serving lunches through our Bistro program.
The Bulldog Bridge Bistro resumed the program in September with lunch choices of chicken salad or homemade pimento cheese on artisan bread. Lunches are offered for employees to buy at the Special Programs and Administration buildings and select areas of La Porte High S\chool. Program teacher Robi Lasiter is working to expand the Bistro’s offerings to a pick-up service so other areas of La Porte ISD can take advantage of the Bistro’s lunches. Lasiter says of the program, “We had a successful first lunch delivery and look forward to many more. We now have 10 students. Our three new young adults have been a perfect addition to our class and have gotten right into the swing of things. We will be beginning to work in the community at
Daniel Correa delivers a lunch to Joy Nolin of La Porte ISD Human Resources.
different work sites soon and are looking forward to seeing our students increase their independence and confidence.”
Real-World Skills
La Porte Junior High coach teaches real-world skills to his studentathletes Keith Wilson, La Porte Junior High School’s athletic coordinator, wants to help ensure that his young student-athletes are confident in their ability to take care of situations that arise beyond the classroom, which led him to create an after-school group at his campus.
They meet every few weeks after school and go over a variety of life skills. “I learned very late in (my) life how to jump a car battery, tie a necktie and change a tire,” Wilson said of growing up in a single-parent home. “I am still far from an expert in any of these areas, but this group offers these young men an opportunity to learn some of these skills much earlier than I did.” The lessons go far beyond tying a half-Windsor knot or realizing that lug nuts are loosened by twisting them to the left. So far in this young program, the boys have also received a primer on CPR, first aid and how to react in an emergency. They have additionally heard from Danny Hanks, a La Porte ISD Board trustee and senior vice president of Gringo’s, about good habits and time management in the workplace. Most recently, the group heard from La Porte Police Sgt. Matt Novosad, who oversees all the district’s school resource officers. Though his group currently involves only La Porte Jr. High School student-athletes, Wilson said there is already interest in expanding the program throughout La Porte ISD. “We want to make sure we do this right and make it a great thing for our campus, and maybe one day, our district,” Wilson said. For more information or to contribute, contact Keith Wilson at wilsonk@lpisd.org.
La Porte ISD Insider • 7
Small Town Big Stage
What makes La Porte ISD’s music program so special? La Porte may have a small-town feel, but the opportunities for students here are big! In our small community nestled on the Galveston Bay, students are making big sounds in the district’s extensive music program. From music classes at the elementary level, to piano labs at the sixth-grade campus, extending to opportunities for participation in award-winning band, choir and orchestra programs at our secondary schools, La Porte ISD’s fine arts offerings are a perfect accompaniment to the district’s renowned academic program. What makes La Porte ISD’s music program so special? La Porte ISD was designated earlier this year as being among the 2022 Best Communities for Music Education nationally. Such an esteemed award begins at elementary school, where every student in the district is introduced to a variety of musical instruments (including voice) at an early age. They also get plenty of stage time, which sets La Porte apart from many other school districts. “It’s not unusual for elementary schools to offer music programs, but it isn’t common for those students to perform to audiences beyond their families at campus events,” said Matthew Burke, La Porte ISD’s Director of Fine and Performing Arts. All La Porte ISD performing arts programs – including the youngest music students – hold multiple yearly performances in front of large crowds, including combined concerts and the annual Christmas on Main Street event. Heritage Elementary School’s singers are regulars at Minute Maid Park, where they have performed the national anthem in front of thousands of Astros fans. (They are also slated to sing there in the 2023 season.) Exposure tends to breed additional interest, and that’s why hundreds of James H. Baker Sixth Grade Campus students choose to continue their music education in band, orchestra, or choir. Baker is also home to an innovative piano lab, where students learn to play the piano. Between grades 6-12, more than 80 percent of La Porte ISD students are being educated in music. “The popularity of our music programs is another reason for our many successes,” Burke said. “Our students enjoy playing or singing, and they tend to work harder to hone those skills. Being exposed to performing at such an early age definitely contributes to that.” Since the 2020-21 school year, La Porte ISD performing arts programs have been awarded 25 UIL Sweepstakes awards for band, orchestra and choir.
8 • La Porte ISD Insider
AP Scholars RECENT GRADUATES EARN AP HONORS Thirty La Porte High School students, including 10 recent graduates, have been named as 2022 AP Scholars. The honor recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP exams, according to information from the College Board. The AP Program announces the honorees each fall. We are so proud of our AP Scholars! AP Scholar Awards (2021-22 Grade Level) James Dawson (10) Jacqueline De Leon (11) Kaitlyn Dominguez (12) Ava Espinosa (10) Savannah Gilmore (12) Emily Harris (12) Jacob Joji (11) Justin Kay (12) Eliason Lewis (11) Lailah Licon (11) Kaitlyn Martinez (11) Lauranh Nguyen (10) Madilyn Ryzewski (12) Victor Salinas (11) Larry Shuler, Jr. (11) Kathleen Sims (12) Aubrey Slaton (10)
AP Scholar with Honor (2021-22 Grade Level) Ethan White (12)
Joseph Sommer (11) Sean Sommer (10) Brianna Vela (11) Austin Venable (12) Brooklyn Waller (10) Josiah Watson (12) Amey Willis (10)
AP Scholar with Distinction (2021-22 Grade Level) Isabella Balboa (11) Jenna Leslie (11) Carly McCarthy (12) Jorge Vanegas (11)
Thank You
AP Seminar and Research Certificate (2021-22 Grade Level) Izabella Baez (12) Jacqueline De Leon (11) Savannah Gilmore (12) Eliason Lewis (11) Jorge Vanegas (11) AP Capstone Diploma (2021-22 Grade Level) Isabella Balboa (11) Jenna Leslie (11) Carly McCarthy (12)
Teachers shape the future of millions of students every day, affecting how we treat each other, the way we work, how productive we are, and even how happy and confident we are as adults. Through this, they shape societies and countries. Everyone remembers by name the teacher who many years ago said or did something that was an inspiration, a life changer. Teachers understand how critical their day-to-day actions and behaviors are in shaping the future of their students. Here in La Porte, we understand the impact our teachers make every day at each one of our campuses. We love our teachers and are honored that they choose to be a part of the La Porte ISD family.
La Porte ISD Insider • 9
Incredible Support La Porte Education Foundation
School financing received an overhaul in 1993 with the implementation of Chapter 41 of the Texas Education Code, commonly known as the “Robin Hood” program. The ruling mandated that funding from school districts with higher property values would be recaptured and given to poorer school districts to achieve greater equity between school districts. La Porte ISD annually returns more than $50 million in local funds to the state. To offset this loss of revenue, the La Porte Education Foundation was created to provide additional resources for teachers and students. Helping to provide instructional extras for classrooms in La Porte ISD has been the mission of the La Porte Education Foundation (LPEF) since its founding in 1993. To date, LPEF has awarded more than $2.6 million for grants and special projects to 2,000 teachers and administrators in La Porte ISD to help enhance learning. Any teacher or administrator in La Porte ISD who has a need for supplemental educational technology or supplies can apply for a grant. These grants are redacted and then reviewed by the LPEF Board of Directors. Grants are selected for funding and are awarded during the Dollar Patrol. The Dollar Patrol brings together donors, administrators, and community members for one big celebration. Buses leave the LPISD Administration Building and visit all campuses in the district delivering big checks to smiling faces. In addition to the Dollar Patrol, other annual events of LPEF include Breakfast with the Stars, the golf tournament, and the Hoops Classic. All of this could not be done without the generosity of the community. Supporters of the Foundation include industry, small businesses, community organizations, and individuals and families. We are fortunate to live in such a benevolent community.
Excellence in Financial Reporting La Porte ISD receives eighth straight national award
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to La Porte Independent School District for its comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
Programs and Events Breakfast with the Stars (August)
Brings together company executives, community members, and school administrators to celebrate the start of a new school year and to honor the stars of the district --- our teachers.
Dollar Patrol November 17, 2022
Donors, community members, board members, and administrators board buses and travel to all campuses in the district to award checks to teachers for innovative classroom grants.
Hoops Classic February 23, 2023
The LP Hoop Dogs (a team of teachers, administrators, and local luminaries) take on the Harlem Wizards in a game of basketball.
Golf Tournament March 22, 2023
Our business and community partners come together for the tournament to enjoy a day on the greens and raise money for classroom grants for the next school year.
30th Anniversary Celebration (2023) 2023 marks the 30th Anniversary of the La Porte Education Foundation! Visit lpisdef.org for updates on the celebration!
The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is La Porte ISD’s eighth consecutive year to receive GFOA accolades for excellence in financial reporting. 10 • La Porte ISD Insider
STEM Spotlight Full STEM Ahead!
STEM Academies are off and running in La Porte ISD elementary schools. Lessons taught by STEM Facilitator Shannon Fanning are focused on guiding students through the engineering design process to solve real-world problems in the community. In their first STEM unit, students redesigned La Porte City Hall as a skyscraper, complete with an observation deck; they also created prototype wildlife bridges to save local wildlife. As students complete their designs, they are encouraged to improve their prototypes. Limited with time and materials, teams must think critically to meet the design criteria. “The biggest challenge for students, right now, is understanding that STEM is not about winning,” Fanning said. “It’s truly about making mistakes and learning to fail forward.” In addition to weeklong STEM units for all third- and fourth-grade students, Fanning and STEM Lead Teacher Michael Newman are developing makerspace curriculum for all elementary grades. Aligned to both science and literacy, makerspace is a great opportunity for students to apply what they are learning to create team challenges that help develop higher level thinking and key 21st century skills. “Makerspace in the primary grade levels (PK-2) really helps lay the foundation for students to become lifelong explorers,” Newman said. “It provides students a chance to stimulate their natural curiosity, develop social and emotional skills, and work as a team.” We offer many thanks to the La Porte Education Foundation, which granted $20,000 toward the establishment of our STEM academies.
STEM teacher honored by Honeywell
Lomax Elementary School kindergarten teacher and district STEM Lead Teacher Michael Newman has been selected to join the Honeywell 2022 STEM Teacher Hall of Fame, presented by the Astros Foundation. He received the honor because of his commitment to excellence in STEM education, classroom creativity and innovation. He was awarded a $2,000 check during pregame recognition on the field prior to the Sept. 27 Astros game. Congratulations, Michael!
La Porte ISD Insider • 11
Health & Safety Fair
Yearly event returns after a two-year absence The La Porte Health and Safety Fair has attracted the community since 2000
LPHS HOSA organization tested blood pressure.
The Solvay Teddy Bear Clinic taught simple first aid.
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The La Porte Local Emergency Planning Committee, City of La Porte, and La Porte ISD hosted the La Porte Health and Safety Fair on Saturday, Sept. 17, at La Porte High School after a two-year absence due to COVID-19. The Health and Safety Fair featured more than 90 exhibits promoting health and safety information and offered fun activities for people of all ages. Five-hundred free children’s Safety Fair T-shirts were given away and door prizes were awarded throughout the event. An estimated 1,400 people attended. The Health and Safety Fair has been held in La Porte ISD since 2000.
Bond Exploration 2023
There were many young children with big smiles on their faces when they walked away from the tables!
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- Andrea Haertling
Solvay Teddy Bear Clinic
As we do every eight to ten years, La Porte ISD is considering a potential bond to address numerous infrastructural updates, preventative maintenance projects and replacements – such as student laptops, fine arts uniforms and instruments, HVAC systems, and school buses. A rebuild of Bulldog Stadium is also being considered as a possible bond proposal as regular flooding issues and decades of exposure to the Gulf Coast humidity have rendered it beyond any reasonably priced – or permanent – repair. What do bonds pay for? • Maintenance of a facility • Technology replacement/upgrades • Transportation replacement/upgrades • Fine arts equipment/labs • Capital projects (buildings) • Safety & security • Furniture, fixtures & equipment
Why call for a bond now? • 2014 Bond was built to support 10 years • La Porte ISD must return more than $50 million in local funds to the state annually (recapture); we would otherwise not have to call for bond elections • Bond allows for more money to remain in the General Fund for other needs • Maintenance and operations, Technology software & hardware, transportation replacement and safety & security items are part of the bond budget.
All of these needs would have to be paid for through bond funds, because school districts generally don’t receive enough traditional funding to cover such large-scale projects. La Porte ISD, like other Texas school districts, maintains a general fund balance of $55 million, which covers about six months of operating costs in the event of a natural disaster such as a hurricane. Bonds do not pay for: teacher or administrator salaries, utilities such as electricity, or insurance. 12 • La Porte ISD Insider
Building Leaders
La Porte ISD part of acclaimed Holdsworth leadership collaborative La Porte ISD, by the end of the year, will have completed the esteemed Holdsworth Leadership Collaborative, an 18-month program that helps district leaders build a strong sustainable pipeline of aspiring campus principals who are ready to step into school leadership positions when they arise.
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s Pa s Leadership Partners sion for Result si ty te |C ra offers a nine-month St o u O IN d| rag e s F e N Focu N O development program O VA SI TI S ON PA focused on leadership skills, current issues, and executive coaching. We currently have committed three principals to be part of the Rice Institute. Dr. Jackson, our superintendent, was a graduate of Cohort 1 Leadership Institute in 2009. io ur |C
What else is La Porte ISD doing to develop leaders?
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“The Holdsworth Center’s mission is to improve the quality of K-12 public education by helping to grow and inspire future leaders, and La Porte ISD is very fortunate to be a part of this distinguished program,” Dr. Jackson said.
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As demands on schools evolve and heighten, principals must be more prepared to navigate ambiguity and respond to challenges with creativity, according to The Holdsworth Center.
Rice University’s Leadership Partners Executive Education Academy
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“An effective principal has a tremendous impact on student achievement and attendance. Principals also affect teacher satisfaction and retention,“ said Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “By cultivating strong leaders from within, we are not only increasing their leadership skillset, but we are also closing gaps in the leadership talent pool.”
self-identified areas of need so they will better support our district and campus improvement efforts.
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La Porte ISD’s Leadership Task Force has taken the resources provided by the Holdsworth Collaborative to develop the District’s Leadership Definition. This definition provides a common language about leadership, which allows us to align our efforts for support and development. Clarifying our understandings and expectations for leadership excellence through this work is the first step to ensuring our leaders are growing and learning in the right direction.
La Porte ISD is represented at The Holdsworth Center by (left-to-right) Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson, Executive Director of Teaching & Learning Julie Abram and Executive Director of Human Resources Angie Garza-Viator.
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La Porte ISD is among only 14 school districts statewide selected to participate in Holdsworth’s world renowned leadership program. Participants attend in-depth learning sessions conducted by education experts, authors, awardwinning school districts, as well as leadership giants in the corporate world, such as HEB and the San Antonio Spurs. The Holdsworth Collaborative also offers La Porte ISD the opportunity to network and collaborate with other outstanding districts from around Texas.
N2 Learning We are partnering with N2Learning to provide the following leadership development:
Aspiring Leadership Academy We are in year two of an academy devoted to identifying and developing teacher-leaders to ready them for future positions of leadership in our district. We ground the work of the academy in campus-based projects where Aspiring Leaders can provide innovative solutions to current problems, collaborate with campus and district leadership and develop specific leadership skills through real-world application.
The Principal Institute. This partnership is a year-long learning series that provides a unique opportunity for principals to understand why the transformation of public education is necessary, and develop the knowledge and skills required to lead and build the capacity to sustain transformation over time. We have committed two campus principals to be a part of the Institute for 2022-23. Dr. Jackson was a graduate of the N2L Principal Institute Cohort 2.
Assistant Principals’ Academy We recognize that assistant principals have a tremendous ability to positively impact the campus culture and classroom instruction; therefore, the academy focuses on increasing leadership capacity in our APs and support their growth in
The Executive Leadership Institute. Once per month, our District and campus administrators meet with N2Learning to build leadership capacity in our leaders for system-wide improvements in teaching and learning. La Porte ISD Insider • 13
Athletics The Bulldogs are Back!
La Porte Head Football Coach Kevin Berneathy talks to players during a break in the action.
After a historical 2021-22 in La Porte ISD athletics, the Bulldogs are back and are on a quest to make similar history in 2022-23. In addition to new record-setting strides from the football team, our cross country teams continue to win in typical fashion. Tennis and Water Polo also made the playoffs, and volleyball has remained in postseason contention since the first serve of the year. Varsity Football
First home win since 2020 (Sept. 9 vs. Goose Creek Memorial) 69 points scored – most in school history (Sept. 9 vs. Goose Creek Memorial) Top 10 Houston area 5A ranking (Houston Chronicle) Kevin Berneathy – 5A Coach of the Week (Week 5) Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Michael Leagan, Defensive Line Coach – Coach of the Week (Week 3) Hispanic Texas High School Coaches Association Cross Country •
Boys and Girls teams qualified for regionals
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Brady Axtell, ranked 5th in the region, finished 26 out of the top 100 distance runners in Texas at the McNeil State Preview
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Penelope Rios-individual winner at Bulldog Invitational
Volleyball
The Sept. 16 Bulldog Invitational was one of the largest in the event’s history. The meet, held at Northwest Park, featured 48 teams and more than 1,500 runners from the Greater Houston area.
After the first round in district play, the Lady Bulldogs are eyeing a playoff berth. Tennis Qualified for UIL playoffs after a third-place district finish
Brady Axtell runs to a third place finish in the annual Bulldog Invitational Cross Country Meet at Northwest Park. 14 • La Porte ISD Insider
Water Polo •
Welcomes Swim Coach Joseph Stewart to Bulldog Nation and T.J. Markiewicz as the new water polo coach
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Both the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs make the playoffs in the inaugural UIL Water Polo season.
Athletics Junior High Athletics Highlights •
The Lomax Lady Lobos make the grade! Members of all four volleyball teams have not only been working on their athletic skills, but they have also performed very well in the classroom – with every player passing every class. Congratulations!
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The Lomax 8A volleyball team has been on a roll and eyeing a berth in the district tournament.
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As October rolled around, the La Porte Jr. High School 7A Lady Bullpups were undefeated.
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The Lomax Lobos seventh-grade football team scored 97 points over a two-game stretch.
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Entering the fifth game of the season, both the 7B and 8A La Porte Jr. High Bullpups were 3-1.
Strength and Conditioning
Above the bar: La Porte ISD’s nationally recognized program
La Porte’s strength and conditioning program earlier this year received the National High School Strength and Conditioning Association’s Program of Excellence distinction. The honor is awarded to programs that demonstrate professional excellence in the realm of high school strength and conditioning. Though the La Porte ISD program checks all the traditional strength and conditioning boxes, the NHSSCA recognition is also due to its unique and innovative qualities. “We are among only a handful of schools to employ two strength coaches,” said Anne Alexander, who partners with Travis Janeway as the district’s strength and conditioning coaches.
Because of this, the program can serve studentathletes in all sports – not just football, basketball and baseball, which is very common in high schools. Just as important, the coaching duo is also able to collaborate and create sport-specific plans. Further, Alexander and Janeway use a collegiate model in that they plan each sport’s annual calendar and program sport-specific workouts based on sport needs, the coach’s vision, injury risk, and developmental skill and age.
“We have improved our approach to training the whole athlete with the inclusion of character development in our summer strength and conditioning program,” Janeway said. “We believe our time with each team and each athlete can be impactful in terms of physical and mental development.” A year ago, they implemented parasympathetic nervous system training sessions at the end of workouts. PSNS is a form of deep breathing meditation aimed at decreasing stress response. “We want to continue to innovate to the benefit of our athletes,” Janeway said. La Porte ISD Insider • 15
Partners in Education New Partners in Education program kicks off with a familiar face at the helm
Distinguished alumna and former La Porte ISD Communications Director Terri Cook has been tapped to lead the district’s new Partners in Education program. Cook’s charge is increasing community involvement in the district’s schools, including volunteers, mentors and partnerships with local business and industry. Her position is part time. “Our Partners in Education program is vital in helping the La Porte community and school district work and grow together,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Jackson. “Terri Cook was our first choice to lead this program because of her ability to create and nurture relationships here.”
Cook, who graduated from La Porte High School, was honored in September as a member of the La Porte ISD Distinguished Alumni class of 2022. She served La Porte ISD for 11 years as the director of communications, including a stint as La Porte Education Foundation director. She has served on the Citizens Advisory Council to La Porte Industry, the La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the La Porte Neighborhood Centers Board, to name a few. She has chaired the Sylvan Beach Scholarship Pageant Contestant Breakfast since 2014 and is on the New Teacher Luncheon Committee. Terri has and continues to be involved in community initiatives ... so much so that the Rotary Club honored her with its Service Above Self Award. She was also named as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year in 2017. For more information or to become a Partner in Education with La Porte ISD, email Cook at cookt@lpisd.org.
Leading Medicine
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16 • La Porte ISD Insider
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“We aim to develop critical thinkers, futuristic innovators, bold and imaginative life-long learners who will in turn, impact the world in positive and meaningful ways.” - Dr. Jackson
La Porte Independent School District 1002 San Jacinto Street La Porte, Texas 77571
NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID La Porte, TX PERMIT #3
La Porte ISD 2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 3 IN S TR U CTI O N A L CA LEN DA R
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Important Dates
First Day of Instruction – 9th Grade First Day of Instruction – PreK - 8th, 10th - 12th Grades Last Day of Instruction Graduation – The Academy of Viola DeWalt High School Graduation – La Porte High School Inclement Weather Day Inclement Weather Day
Student Holidays Sept. 5 Oct. 7 & 10 Oct. 7 Nov. 8 Nov. 21 - 25 Dec. 19 - Jan. 3 Jan. 16 Feb. 16 Feb. 16, 17 & 20 Mar. 13 - 17 Apr. 7
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OPEN ENROLLMENT! La Porte ISD is accepting K-12 applications for non-residents. Exceptional Academics Award-winning Fine and Performing Arts Gifted & Talented Private Piano Lab District-wide STEM & Robotics
Come grow with us! Call 281-604-7000.
STAAR Eng I, Eng II, Alg I, U.S. History, Bio I EOC Retest STAAR Eng I, Eng II EOC STAAR 8th Science, Social Studies STAAR Alg I, U.S. History, Bio I EOC STAAR 3-8 ELA, Math, 5th Science STAAR Eng I, Eng II, Alg I, U.S. History, Bio I EOC Retest
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Student Days Total Number of Student Days 171
Every Student's Success is Our #1 Priority
Revised 9/23/22 Printed by LPISD Communications
Board approved 1/11/22
SAVE THE DATES Nov. 8 – Election Day (Student Holiday) Nov. 17 – Education Foundation Dollar Patrol Nov. 21-25 – Thanksgiving Break Dec. 1 – Christmas on Main Street Dec. 16 – Early Dismissal Dec. 19-Jan. 3 – Winter Break