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Elmo Express

Page 2―4

∗ New Employees to CBISD

Page 5―6

∗ Big Time Trainings

Page 7―8

∗ TDECU Luncheon

∗ Convocation

Page 9

∗ August Shining Star

∗ Quotes to Live By: Connie Carter, Child Nutrition

∗ Birthday Shout Outs

Page 10

∗ HR Corner

∗ Upcoming Events and Announce-ments

Page ?

∗ Where is that Pint Size Elmo?

August 2014

Superintendent Steven Galloway

Columbia Brazoria Independent School District

What’s Inside

Hello CBISD. The theme of our District this year is “Big Time”. We want

to do everything possible to provide the “Big Time” opportunities that our

students and communities deserve. A successful year will require a Rough-

neck sized effort from each employee, student, parent, guardian, and even

the CBISD community.

As State and Federal requirements rise, it is a given that each CBISD em-

ployee has an increased work load and more responsibilities this year with

no reduction in expectations. However, we will accept the responsibility

and authority given to us to educate and make a positive influence in the

lives of each and every student. We will hold ourselves accountable and we

expect the community to hold us accountable as well. In advance, a special

thanks to the CBISD community for your support, patience, and encourage-

ment that allows our staff to do the same with our students on a daily basis.

Given this, we just ask that patience, understanding, support, and communi-

cation be used by all, including CBISD, if any difficult situations arise.

We all want CBISD to meet the needs, wants, expectations, and core beliefs

for our communities and have made plans to exceed the yearly expectations

placed on us by our communities. While we are at it, we want to exceed the

expectations we place on ourselves as well. Our daily works, goals, and ef-

forts should be focused on building positive lifetime memories and starting

the process of making dreams come true – for others. We specialize in 13

year dreams, kindergarten through senior year.

The speech Mr. Galloway shared with the community, he would like to

express to all the staff of CBISD.

BIG TIME SCHOOL YEAR!

How will you spend your time?

Teach Big! Think Big!

Act Big!

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NEW TO CBISD: Welcome to our family!

Amanda Keen

Instructional Aide

Cheryl Henderson

Special Ed Aide

Joshua Baskin

Assistant Band Director

Katy Scarborough

Math Teacher/Coach

Lori Brown

LSSP Intern

Columbia High School

Sarah Ondras

English Teacher

Stefanie Bass

English Teacher

Chauntel Oliver

Computer Lab Aide

Henry Valladares

Business Teacher/ Coach

West Brazos Jr. High

Sharline Law

Science Teacher

Kayla Josie

Social Studies Teacher/ Coach

Barry Bishop

Spanish Teacher/ Coach

Meredith Hackemack

Science Teacher C.B.I.S.D

BIG TIME!

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Angela Martin

6th grade Teacher

Angela Ohlen

Kindergarten Teacher

Dayna Langen

Music Teacher

Hannah DeLeon

2nd grade Teacher

Jamie Johnson

Computer Lab Aide

Julie Segovia

5th grade Teacher

Korey Langford

4th grade Teacher

Mary Sorensen

Kindergarten Teacher

Susan Hernandez

Life Skills Aide

Windy Winters

5th grade Teacher

Amanda Brooker

Instructional Aide

Barrow Elementary

West Columbia Elementary

Laura-Sue Karl

2nd grade Teacher

Time is

on your side

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John Rhubottom

Computer Technician

Kenny Montgomery

Bus Driver

Orfy Garcia

Associate WPE

Sharetta Pipkins

Bus Monitor

Troi Johnson

Police Officer (Damon ISD)

Reannon Hempsmyer

Bus Driver

Bobby Woods

Bus Driver

Candy Jones

Bus Driver

Wild Peach Elementary

Booke Larsen

Computer Lab Aide

Technology Police Department

Transportation

Misty Jones

Bus Driver

Child Nutrition

Alexandra Garcia Jr.

Custodian CHS

Maintenance

ROUGHNECK

TIME

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BIG TIME TRAININGS

Successful Classroom Training by Region IV was presented by Dr Val Sheppard. She demonstrated variety of strategies to make a new

teacher’s year successful.

Thinking Math was rolled out this summer to provide 2-8th grade math teachers a set of tools to promote numeracy and problem solving in

math. The training is from Singapore Math and is a very well sought after training in the state. We were excited to have these presenters pro-

vide a hands-on training to our teachers.

Balance Literacy with TEKS Resource System conducted by Melissa Leach was another hands on training for our K-6 ELAR teachers. This

training looked at how to use the time allocated for reading and insure all aspects of a balanced literacy program were being provided for in

the lessons. The training also provided for an in-depth analysis of the IFD and what should be happening in reading instruction. Shared read-

ing was specifically highlighted.

Make and Take sessions were scheduled this summer and the teachers that attended made center activities, coordinated with other campuses,

laminated and copied to their heart’s content. Lots of action and activity took place!

Leader meetings were facilitated and provided an opportunity for teachers to get paid to review the lessons and tests used and what needs to

be in place to foster improvement in our learning and state assessment scores. Lessons were written by the leaders and put into the district

GOOGLE drive for access by other grade level teachers. The YAG was reviewed for appropriate timelines, additional lessons were added or

moved, and the discussion on additional assessments was started. All core teachers should be able to access the GOOGLE drive and find cur-

riculum shared with them. These lessons are laid out by the unit or by the week.

Differentiated Instruction: Lynn Grell-Boethel providing 3 hours of GT update training to HS and JRHS on differentiation strategies and a

way to collect great strategies at each campus.

Flipped Classroom: Region 4 provided 3 hours of GT update training to HS and JRHS to enhance learning to students through a flipped

classroom.

Thinking Maps Writing Training: Dr. Brenda Baker provided a review on the strategies and thinking maps to use to enhance personal nar-

rative writing in grades 1-10.

PreK- 1st Thinking Meeting: Liz Plaster came in to review the CLASS assessment tool, the environmental checklist and preparation for the

school year in order to assure rigor and developmentally appropriate practices.

Brazoria Child Council Center: Mrs. Liz Jolly presented information to counselors and nurses on the resources they have available for

children in need.

Eric Jensen’s P-12 Teaching & Engaging with Poverty in Mind: Dr. Jensen was motivating and encouraging to the instructional staff, while

providing a number of research brain based strategies that can help change the brain.

PDAS TRAINING Mary McCarthy,

Director of Secondary

Ed. leads our new

teachers in learning

the Texas Professional

Development and

Appraisal System.

They were engaged

and using Thinking

Maps to enhance their

learning, just like the

students.

Left: Mary

Sorensen, new

Kg teacher and

Krista

Harrington,

Special Ed

teacher

Right: Henry

Valladaras, new

HS teacher/

coach and Angie

Ohlen, new Kg

teacher

Darlene Goebel,

new to Pre-K and

Windy Winters,

5th grade teacher

new to the district

work together.

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Assistant Superintendent, Lynn Grell-Boethel, instructs the Differentiated Instruction Training

Region IV joins us to teach Flipped Classroom Instruction

TIME

BIG

INITIATIVE

Dr. Brenda Baker leads Thinking Maps Writing Training

Lynn Grell-Boethel introduces the speaker for the day,

Eric Jensen. He motivated the instructional staff to

BIG ideas and BIG actions when working with students

this year. This author and speaker was a BIG treat to

have for CBISD’s summer training.

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TDECU generously sponsored lunch again for the entire district staff on August 20th. A BBQ lunch with all the trimmings

and cobbler was catered by Smokin R. Sno Cones were provided by ALO...AHH Shaved Ice.

CONVOCATION

Pashley King, TDECU branch manager at CHS, Tracey Sinner and Tanner Davis gave out

pad portfolios and calendars to all CBISD staff.

C.B.I.S.D

BIG TIME!

Convocation

took place on

August 22nd at

First Assembly of

God, Brazoria.

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Loretta Williams with TDECU, Superintendent, Steven Galloway and Board Member, Nick Kondra gave encouraging words to our

staff and wished the best for CBISD this school year.

Dale Frankum, Pastor of First Assembly

Brazoria supplied the venue and decorated

a “Big Time” environment with “Big

Chief” school supplies.

Neal Jeffrey, author and pastor, offered an inspiring and entertaining speech to motivate all

staff for the upcoming school year. He offered his book, If I can Y-Y-You Can, and auto-

graphed each one.

TDECU gave goodie bags to

every employee and door

prizes consisting of gift

cards and a chance to grab

money in the “BIG” money

booth. Our employees, Perry

Simmons, Sammy Green,

Lynn Grell-Boethel, and

Clint Johnson all participat-

ed in catching flying money.

They all caught more than

$50. Lynn was the big

winner, leaving with $78.

The wonderful staff at First Assembly of Brazoria, served the entire

district staff with a sit down meal. Thank you for your generosity!

BIG TIME FUN!

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August 25 John Langner

August 26 Karl Harriman

Angela Ohlen

August 27 Barbara Douglas

August 28 Kylea Kennemer

Milissa Smith

August 29 Margaret Meadows

Amy Woodrome

August 30 Kay Giles

Dee Ann Ogburn Mandy Prewit

August 31 Sean Cook Iris Howard

September 1 Barbara Bell

September 2 Magaly Flores

Patrice Ward

Scott Williams

September 3 Troi Johnson Andrea Luster

Kelly Sims

Rebecca Wilson

September 3 Amanda Brooker

September 8 David Green

September 10 Hollie Nail

September 11 Rhonda Roark

September 12 Barry Bishop

Dawn Terry

September 14 Patty Heidel

Hanna DeLeon

September 15 Ricky Rosas

September 16 Mary Neisig

September 18 Susan Thatcher

September 21 Brian Carter Monica Garner

Pam Johnson Deborah Kaspar

Shannon Kirby

September 22 Stephanie Beall

Alfred Black

September 23 Mary Giesecke

September 24 Andrew Beem

BIRTHDAY SHOUTOUTS

Sheryl Harris, Executive Assistant to Superintendent, was present-

ed the Shining Star Award for this month by Superintendent,

Steven Galloway, and Board President, Jonathan Champagne. The

board wanted to recognize an outstanding employee from “the top.”

Sheryl has been with the district 30 years, in the administration

building. She goes over and beyond to help the superintendent and

district be successful. Mr. Galloway pointed out at the board meet-

ing that Sheryl left at 2pm that day to be with her son in the

hospital, then came back to help with the board meeting that night.

Mr. Galloway said, “That’s just the type of person she is.” Sheryl

was totally surprised and didn’t expect the award. She exclaimed,

“It means a lot coming from the Board and Superintendent. I really

appreciate the honor.”

August Shining STAR Quotes to Live By

Connie Carter, Administrative Assistant, Child Nutrition

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Vivian Greene

“Every day is a Gift”

Anonymous

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every

purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, a

time to reap that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break

down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn,

and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones

together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain

from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a

time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep

silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a

time of peace

Written by Pete Seeger and sang by The Byrds in 1965

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Ronald Mercer graduated on August 16th with a Master of Education in Education Administration. Congratulations

Ronald!

After 7 years together and both finishing college, Debra Penney’s son, Eric Shirley, married Elayna Burgess on July 25,

2014.. They met at Columbia HS when Elayna was a Sophomore and Eric was a junior. They have a home in West

Columbia.

Lynn Grell-Boethel’s daughter, Cathryn Boethel, CHS 2009 grad, has accepted a job with San Antonio ISD as an

Assistant Band Director at Connell MS. Her funds are limited and she has posted a “Donors Choose” proposal to

purchase reeds for her wind instruments in her band! If you’d like to help or post projects of you own go to:

http://bit.do/cathryn.

Labor Day Holiday for Students and Staff, September 2, 2014

Brazoria Library Association Annual Fundraiser

Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 5PM at the American Legion Grounds, Hot dogs, ice cream, floats and cookies, Book

Sale, games for kids and Live and Silent Auctions. Come out and support your local library!

West Columbia Chamber Golf Tournament

Monday, September 29, 2014—The Wilderness Golf Course, Registration 11:00am, Tee-off 12:30pm (979) 345-3921

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

On October 22, 2014, the Wall will be escorted to Lake Jackson from Pearland. It will be at MacLean Park the 22nd –

26th. Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 25th. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, contact Andy

(979) 201-2475 or Staci (979) 997-2100, or brazctyvietnamwall@yahoo.com. This event will help those who served in

the war.

HR CORNER

◊ All changes to your health insurance is due by August 29th.

◊ Admin Free Days are back! Four times a year, any employee is allowed to take leave for up to 2 hours. You must obtain permission in advance from your supervisor to use this leave and you must clock out (or clock in) to document the time gone. Please contact HR if you have any questions.

◊ Attendance Incentive is new this year. A drawing for an electronic device (TBD) will take place at the End of Year Breakfast for employees with Perfect (no missed days) or Excellent Attendance (only missing 1-2 days) from August 18, 2014—May 29, 2015.

• Guidelines — 1. Business leave is considered “working.” 2. Comp days for hourly employees is not counted against attendance (cannot go over 60 hours). 3. Using “Admin Free” leave is not working the entire day and would not qualify for this incentive

• Who is eligible: All teachers, nurses, counselors and staff assigned to a campus All hourly employees District professionals not assigned to a campus, campus administration and central administration employees are not eligible Must be present to win

Announcements and Upcoming Events

Congratulations to our Elusive Elmo

winners for 2013-2014 School Year!

Ipad—Kira Thomas, Barrow

Kindle Fire—Thomas Amos, CHS

Ipod—Henry Schuble, Maintenance

DID YOU KNOW

Fines increased for not stopping for a school bus. This took effect last September, but it’s worth a reminder that motorists can be fined $500 for passing a stopped school bus.