Student Safety Priority One Around 11 am on March 9th a bat flew into a classroom in “C” building while a class was in session. Students rushed out of the room. Kayla Williams stated, “Edward Walker threw a spray bottle at the bat and knocked it out of the air.” The bat fell on the teacher’s desk near the computer mouse and appeared to be dead. Staff member Kevin Robin-
son was walking in the hall when the incident happened. Mr. Robinson immediately called the main office and diffused the excited crowd.
Students Create Storage Containers for NASA
Principal Williams had the bat removed and contacted the city’s Health Department and HISD’s Pesticide Department. She also requested for HISD’s Construction and Facilities Department to inspect the building.
Madison has participated in the program for two years.
Letters were sent home to parents explaining that a thorough inspection of the building would take place and that student safety is priority at Madison.
ated by Madison students are used to prepare for when astronauts visit the space station.
“Students in my Saturday sewing class are creating storage containers for the High School Students United With NASA To Create Hardware Program,” explained Ms. Hubbard. The storage containers cre-
End of Construction Date Near
how the storage containers are made in the classroom for the NASA astronaut program.
Mr. Kessier from the NASA program works with student Mickelyn Washington in Ms. Hubbard’s Class
Presently, the students are creating a video that explains
Perks for Reading
by Carlton Coleman
Time Running Out for Attendance Appeals Attendance appeals hours can be made up after school from 4:00pm to 5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm. For each class period that was missed, one hour of appeals will be required. See Ms. Jefferson for details.
If you are a frequent reader, check out 2 or more books per week and you qualify for a special ID badge that allows you to visit the library during your lunch time. The campus renovation is scheduled to end next month. The Ready to Occupy Date is May 2012. The renovation scope includes electrical upgrades, fire and life safety upgrades, mechanical and plumbing upgrades, minor roof repairs, technology upgrades and ADA code compliance upgrades. The budget cost is $5,164,000. Above is a picture of the renovation of the Science building. Below is a picture of one of the new air conditioning units on the roof and trees for the landscaping. Also, below there is a picture of the new plumbing in the floor of the science building. In addition, there is a photo of the new rest room floor tile.
If you check out 3 or more books per week, you qualify for a Madison car magnet decal or special wrist band to be awarded at the end of the grading cycle. Seniors, if you complete the Commit to Library Initiative Program, you can qualify to be presented with a black cord to be worn with your regalia at the graduation ceremony symbolizing your commitment to reading and literacy. See Ms. Young in the library.
Senior Fees Due The final deadline for purchasing the Bundled and Individual Off-Campus Activities is April 26, 2012. Ticket to Schlitterbahn - New Braunfels ($110.00) (Snack, Lunch, Senior Gifts). Senior Breakfast/ ($40.00) (Activities/Senior Gifts). Ticket to H&H Ranch ($70.00) (Lunch, Activities, Senior Gifts). Ticket to Six Flags over Arlington ($110.00) (Snack, Lunch, Senior Gifts). Daily Bus Transportation
Seniors Prepare for Graduation Exercises
Genesys Works Job Program
Texas Southern New Admission Standards by Luckett, Patricia-Researched by Brian Mars
by Jessenia Salinas
Genesys Program teaches students responsibility and students are paid while working and gaining valuable hands-on knowledge about business etiquette, conflict resolution and proper communication skills.
Paying for College by Jamie Campos TEXAS Grants, a need-based grant program that covers tuition and fees at most institutions, is only available to Texas residents. Students unable to prove U.S. citizenship may establish residency if they graduated from a Texas high school, have lived in the state for three years before applying and sign an affidavit indicating their intent to apply for permanent residency status as soon as possible.
During the school year, students attend classes in the morning and work in a professional office setting in the afternoon. According to Ms. Foster, the 2011-2012 participants were: Deandre Collins, Paloma Del Valle, Jacqueline Mendoza, Stephanie Montesino, Rodolfo Penaloza, Jaelen Randolph, Nijahnik Robinson, and Edward Stennis.
Community Based Instruction by Shanara Hope Ms. Hobbs is over the VAC program and Mr. Roquemore is over the Off Campus Vocational Training (CBVI) program. The VAC program provides instruction in the vocational skills area. The Off Campus Vocational Training (CBVI) of Career Development Services is the link between the classroom and the community. Ms. Hobbs and Mr. Roquemore are responsible for student employment training in a variety of job clusters to determine the best match for a student’s skills and likes. Once a student is proficient in the skills needed at a particular site, they rotate him/ her to another site. As closely as possible, the CBVI training sites should match the student’s interests and strength. Mr. Roquemore stated, “It is a great blessing for the child to have his own occupation and to be able to provide for himself.” Ms. Hobbs added, “Students should strive for the top because the bottom is full.”
Communities in Schools Jobs by Brian Smith
Texas Southern University had an “open-admission” policy which
allowed any student who graduated from high school to be granted admission to the university, without consideration of their ability to be successful in college-level classes. This caused many students to enroll at the university but not graduate within a specific time period. As a result of our low graduation rate, we recently implemented new admission guidelines to ensure students have a chance of being successful at TSU. To be considered for admission for the fall 2012 semester, students must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average (on 4.0 scale) with either an 820 SAT score (critical reading and math sections) or 17 ACT score. With the new admission standards, we have seen both our graduation rate increase, and we anticipate our graduation rate will continue to increase as we admit more college-ready students.
During the summer, CIS can place up to 200 students in jobs and internships at a variety of local businesses, hospitals, law firms and non profits. Students are matched with a professional mentor to foster their development. Interested students should visit the CIS office on Madison’s campus today.
Hispanic College Highlight by Michelle Cora
TAMIU in Laredo is home to four colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, the A. R. Sanchez Jr. School of Business, the College of Education and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences with its Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing. The campus recently completed Phase V of its Master Plan, including the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Theatre and the Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center. A new Student Success Center was opened this past fall. The campus complex represents a nearly $200 million investment in higher education in Texas. Qualified high school students attaining Junior or Senior status may seek early enrollment to TAMIU for purpose of gaining credits in University-level classes. Students must apply through www.applytexas.org. No application fee nor essay or personal statement is required. At Texas A&M International University, enrollment qualifications are the following:
RANK Top 10% First 40% Low 60%
Lamar University is offering scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to pursue a degree in a pre-professional field (such as pre-med). Stop by the CIS office in Building “B”, Room 506 and speak with Mr. Mercado or Ms. Hawkins for more contest detail information on $1500.00, $2500.00 and $5,000.00 scholarships that are hosted by the Texas Hospitality Association. Scholarships on the Net www.advocacy-net.com/scholamks.htm Fast WEB Scholarship Search www.Fastweb.com/
The top colleges or universities that have high graduation rates for Hispanics are: Florida International University (FIU), University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), University of Texas-Brownsville and Texas A&M International University.
CIS coordinates the Summer Youth Employment Program to expose Madison High School Juniors and Seniors to career opportunities.
You only have to complete one financial aid application (either the FAFSA or the TASFA) to start the process.
SAT®* Minimum None† None† 900
ACT™** Minimum None† None† 19-Composite Score
Harry S. Truman Scholarship www.truman.gov/ Hispanic College Fund www.hispanicfund.org/scholar.html Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarships www.jackierobinson.org Hispanic Scholarships and Financial Aid Information www.scholarships.com United Negro College Fund with Information on Scholarships www.uncf.org Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship Information www.chci.org Scholarship Search Engine www.scholarships101.com Free Application for Student Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov Texas College and Universities, Requirements, Cost. www.thecb.state.tx.us Ron Brown Scholar Program www.ronbrown.org Explore private colleges in Texas admission deadlines, requirements, fees find ways to fund college www.texasmentor.com ACT Application
www.act.org Marine Corps Scholarships www.marine-scholars.org Tylenol Scholarships www.scholarship.tylenol.com
Theatre Department Shows Character Lead Actor Ryann Williams
Sydney and Chloe Dao Donate Fabric for Scholarship
Sydney, sister to Chloe Dao with Jorge Ramirez. Sydney and Chloe donated fabric for the students to construct garments for a scholarship competition.
Madison’s play, The Actor’s Nightmare, lived up to its name at the one act UIL competition when Madison was disqualified for exceeding the time limit by 14 seconds. Theatre director, Ms. Giles, spoke with the students about the disqualification. “I assured the students that it wasn’t their fault. I let them know that they earned all excellent scores,” she explained.
dress or tuxedo rental. It’s not too late to apply for assistance this year. Students should just send an email to info@fairygodmotherprojec.com and request an application. If approved, you could be picking out prom attire at one of the organization’s upcoming shopping days (April 14 @ Milby HS or April 20 @ Sam Houston MSTC).
Fashion Students Take Professional Photographs
Mr. Fuller’s Fashion students work with professional photographers Tasha and Kikki from Hayes Sears Photography and Marva Curtis who is the Portrait Studio Manager at JC Penny
Yusila Espinal
Dress design above by Jorge Ramirez. Designs by other students are below
Anna Ramirez
Based on UIL rules, Madison students were not allowed to receive any awards nor advance to the next level of competition.
Lakrisha Sutton
Madison students showed great character when they sat through the awards program and applauded other schools. Ana Marquez
Judge C. Lee Turner told Madison students, “I have seen The Actor’s Nightmare performed many times but never as great as your performance.” Mr. Turner was impressed with lead actor Ryann Williams and offered to speak with him privately about studying acting in college. Outstanding cast members included Tomminique Cook, Samone Mathews, Khadejah Clarke, Kenneth Hill, Rickey McCoy, Allen Fuentes, Brandon Bolden, Orlando Clarke, Kevin Trujillo, Angel Gibbs, Eliseo Gurrrero, Chanise Cleveland, Gregorio Montes, and Damien Short.
FFA Shows at Rodeo
Student Success Academy Still Open Debate Improves Student Skills by
Newspaper Staff Picks for Prom Dresses by Stephanie Frausto
Below are dresses that are great for prom because they are cute and will impress everyone at the big dance. If you want these types of dresses for prom, you should go to “PROMGIRL” online.
At the Houston Rodeo this year,
Madison FFA students showed
animals they raised: Steers- Ar-
rike Griggs, Darrion Goffney; Lambs- Sharon Guyen, Mimi Gyuen; Goats -Sharon Nuyen, Mimi Nuyen, Barrows- Carina Martinez, John Mendez, Juses Martinez, Chris Rose, Taylor Thomas, Little Ms Walker; Broilers(chickens) - Afiya and Brandy, Gonzales.
Sosha Edwards
Chanelle Wiggins
The debate team is a competitive style of argumentation that enhances students analytical and research abilities. Each year Madison’s students attend a minimum of six tournaments that include a two day competition over the weekend. The debate team goes all over the city debating at different schools. All the students on the team really enjoy being part of the team.
“NEWYORKDRESS” online is where you will also see a fantastic variety of prom dresses. “NEWYORKDRESS” prices are from $396.00 to $590.00.
Ms. Montgomery said, ‘’In order to be a debater, you must be passing all of your courses per UIL rules. However, as a debater students must strive to achieve well above a 70 average. Not only does the debate team help you increase your reading and vocabulary skills, it also helps you become ‘quick on your feet’ when it comes to speaking with others.’’
The Fairy Godmother Project was created in 2000 to help Houston students who lack the financial resources to pay for a
Currently there are 15 students on the debate team. Ms. Montgomery, Ms. Barrett and Mr. Ken Ogden are sponsors.
These dresses range from $50.00 to $178.00, and the website has other prom dresses that cost up to $498.00.
The Madison Student Success Academy is still available after school Monday through Thursday from 4:00pm to 5:00pm in Building “D” to provide all Madison students an opportunity to receive assistance with tutorials, class work, projects and reports or with writing a paper. The library will also be available for computer use. You will be responsible for your own transportation. Please take advantage of this great opportunity.
Science Fair Winners
9th Grade Division: 1st Place: Pill Power by Jamie Russell and Tony White 2nd place: Heartbeat in Different Exercise by Jose Guevara, Bryan Medrano and Luis Pineda 3rd Place: White vs. Wheat by Mark Diaz, Kennedy Harrell, Jacqueline Vasquez, Marvin Velasquez; Honorable Mention Mole Race by Mark Ina. 10th Grade Division: 1st Place: Marker Remover by Lelsy Turrbiantes and Rosa Rodriquez 2nd place: Magic Marker by Marisol Castelan 3rd place: Candy Chromatography by Jacqueline Gonzalez and Alma Reyes. 11th Grade Division: 1st Place: Juiced PH by S. Bhat and K. Robinson 2nd place tied: Stick/Stones by Chris Chaison and Gender & Memory by Kerla Cerna 3rd place: Foreign vs. U.S Cars by Shanique Wardall Congratulations again from Science Fair Team: A. Captain, J. Giron and L. Johnson.
Sha’de Adedapo Selected AllDistrict 20-5A Girls Basketball Team Carbajal
Football Scholarshipsby Chris Harris
by Viridiana
Sha’de Adedapo, Aundrea Pipkins, and T’kyh Jones made the All-District 20-5A Girls Basketball Team for 2011-2012. Shantrice Pickings, and Whitney Hawkins made the Second Team. Sha’de Adedapo is a Junior on the varsity team at James Madison High School. She averaged 13.5 points per game. Her most memorable game this year was when Madison defeated Sam Houston, and she scored 15 points. Sha’de said, “I’ve been an athletic girl since I was in elementary school where I played football. Since my middle school didn’t have football, I decided to play basketball.” When she was a sophomore at James Madison High School, she had proven to the coach that she deserved to be on the varsity team. Sha’de loves basketball and wants to bring the championship trophy to Madison at the end of the 2012-2013 season.
Power Lifter Goes to State
Coach Pat Reinecke expressed that he was proud of the young men who received scholarships this year. Chris Rose and Cleveland Sim will join other former Madison football players, Tunde Idowu, LeDarryae Groover, Rickey Simpson and Raymundo Cardova at Prairie View A&M University. Charles Phillips, Jeremiah Eaton, Jamarcus Burks, Ricky McCoy, and Angel Aguilera earned scholarships to play football at Valley City State University in Valley City, North Dakota. The Valley City State University Vikings rank number 4 in Division I in pass defense per game. Reginald Smith will travel to Texas College in Tyler, Texas. Joshua Rogers will attend Lon Morris in Jacksonville, Texas. Delandon Driver will play for Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas.
Roderick was able to Squat 670 lbs, Bench Press 365 lbs and Dead Lift 600 lbs. Coach Pat Reinecke has been building the Power Lifting program at Madison for over a decade. Reinecke, reported in the Houston Chronicle, “Anyone who’s been to a Power Lifting tournament knows what an exciting sport it is. Power Lifting is a big deal in a lot of small towns.”
He can come to Madison to inspire our students to do better in school and pursue a positive career, whether it’s money making or working for a good cause. Who knows, having contact with a celebrity of his stature might be in the financial interest of our school.
Two Faces of Facebook by Felipa Saldana
Yes, I think we need a Celebrity Week and Chuck would make a great celebrity first choice.
Madison Teacher Featured in Ft. Bend Magazine
When it comes to Facebook, lots of people say that there are a good and bad things. One good thing is that you can meet new people, and you can also find family members who you haven’t heard from in a long time. It also helps you keep up to date on social events and business gatherings. I like the fact that if you don’t have a person’s phone number, you can look them up on Facebook and send them a message when you have an important question or announcement. Most people enjoy the fun things like sending an invitation or a birthday wish. But you have to be careful on Facebook because child molesters, rapists and other menaces to society use the site. All of their information is make-believe so that teenagers can think they are the same age.
Ms. Beverly Moore was featured in the magazine Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes. Ms. Moore is a member of Suburban Sugar Land Women. The organization provides community services in the area of education. They also create cultural programs that build confidence, expand knowledge and offer skills needed to succeed in life.
Another problem that is getting a lot of attention on Facebook is cyber bullying. So, don’t meet people you don’t already know on Facebook. Remember, never post anything that you don’t want your parent or boss to read, and don’t make statements like, “We are going out of town this weekend.” If you are an artist, do not post any of your creative works on Facebook because they can be stolen. Facebook can put a smile on your face, but it can also turn a smile into a frown if you aren’t careful.
New Special Message to Freshmen from Madison a Senior High Needs Ed Teacher I have always worked hard in school, and I stayed out of trouble because I didn’t want to disappoint my mother. She was already disapa Celebrity pointed because my older brother didn’t go to college. Week Although I have always hated the fact that I attended 3 different high Estefany Sanchez
by
by Rolando Campos
Is there someone who can steer Madison students into a positive direction? Someone who has experience in making the American dream come true? Someone who knows the business industry and how to teach kids to make money? March 23rd at the Boys State Meet - Division 1, Roderick Wiltz placed 5th in Power Lifting.
a positive future?
That celebrity may be Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris– what has he not done? World renown actor, martial artist (8th degree black belt grand master) and activists. He has helped with many organizations such as Funds for Kids, The United Way, and the MakeA-Wish Foundation. He is a man who is obviously living the American dream. He is one who students might consider a leader. Now, the question is: How can Chuck Norris lead students into
by Leslie Gonzalez
schools, I made the best of it since I like to meet new people. The one thing that really kept me going was the fact that I wanted to make my mother proud of me.
One of the many new teachers at James Madison High School is Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson is a Special Education teacher. He teaches students in 9th-12th grades. He has been a teacher for 7 years and has to teach every subject. “I came to teach at Madison because Madison has a great history,” Mr. Johnson said. “I want to improve the quality of life for my students.” Mr. Johnson became a teacher because he loves to work with kids. “My educational philosophy is: education, when taken seriously, is a passport to future success.”
My GPA hasn’t been the best since I went to so many high schools. One year I did slack off a little since I didn’t want to be at that particular school, and I thought by doing “bad” my mother would put me back in my old high school. Sadly my GPA as a senior is not in the top 10% of my class because I was childish and stubborn and didn’t think things through like a mature young adult when I was at the school I disliked. I hope the freshmen at Madison High School won’t make the same mistakes that I made.