2015 HORIZONS Student Showcase

The Berry Center hosted the 2015 HORIZONS Student Showcase on April 13. This annual event featured approximately 900 CFISD students representing grades 1-12 and 390 projects. Students demonstrated their advanced-level products to more than 4,000 visitors.

Additional photos from the event are available on the CFISD Facebook page.

Pennies for Patients

Fourth-grade students in the classrooms of (L-R) Latrice Martin, Nikia Canton, Lauren Turner and Kyanna Williams raised the most money during Francone's Pennies for Patients fundraiser. 

Francone ES held a campaign to raise money for the Pennies for Patients foundation during February. Pennies for Patients is a nationwide charity event that gives students the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. The money raised benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. Francone raised a total of $2,865.

The following classrooms raised more than $100 each:

Erica Kent's and Christina Sanchez's first-grade classes; 

Rita Flores' second-grade class;

Felicia Worchesik's third-grade class; and

Susan Moschella's fifth-grade class.

Car Care Clinic

The Cy Springs HS automotive technology class, taught by Sanford Lee, recently hosted Men of Honor students for a Car Care Clinic. The instructional after-school event allowed the automotive students a chance to strengthen the knowledge they have gained by sharing it with less-experienced individuals. The Men of Honor students were shown the basics of auto care and were provided with a valuable, hands-on opportunity to examine several cars. 

"This was definitely a great evening for all the students," said Clay Smith, Cy Springs assistant principal. "It was a huge success!"


After the learning session, the students were provided a barbecue dinner to thank them for their involvement.

Farney ES WatchD.O.G.S.

Recently, Board member Bob Covey visited Farney ES. While there, he was able to spend time with several teachers and students, including (L-R) kindergarten students Brooklyn Swiger and NanaAdjoa Donkor. Covey was also able to chat with WatchD.O.G.S. dad Adam Pasicznyk, a parent volunteer. 

WatchD.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is a program that promotes increased paternal involvement at campuses.

Gleason ES Rodeo Day

Cesar Deleon appears as a larger-than-life cowboy along with his handler Elizabeth Guerrero at the Gleason ES Rodeo Day event.

Students at Gleason ES recently enjoyed a special Rodeo Day event courtesy of the Houston Rodeo Committee. Each year, during rodeo season, committee members select campuses to visit and present educational and entertaining stations for students. Gleason teacher Pam Salley submitted the school as a possible location for such a visit. Campuses are evaluated prior to selection to make sure the schedule and space requirements can be met. 

On the day of the event, stations were set up and overseen by more than 20 volunteers from the rodeo committee. Each booth had a theme, covering such topics as rodeo history, cowboy life and cattle ranching. Student groups had the opportunity to experience each station, transitioning between them every 25 minutes. The sound of galloping horse hooves was played over the school PA system to signal students when it was time to transition. As part of the festive occasion, students were encouraged to come to school in western wear.

“All of our students, from pre-K through fifth-grade, really enjoyed each station,” said Nancy Skinner, Gleason secretary. “We look forward to hosting this event again.”

Campuses must wait three years after hosting a Rodeo Day event before they are eligible to be selected again. 

Gleason students (L-R) Vincent Guarino and Londyn Bean have a chance to try out western dancing after hearing a presentation about its place in rodeo history.

Lillian Meche shows off her dance skills and western wear at the Gleason ES Rodeo Day event.

Melanie Rodriguez displays her drawing of a longhorn steer at a Rodeo Day arts and crafts station.

2015 Technology Festival

The sixth annual student Technology Festival is set for April 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Berry Center. The CFISD community is invited to explore more than 1,000 student technology projects at this free event. Created by students in grades pre-K through 12, the projects will showcase the use of technology in the classroom.

“Every year, we continue to be amazed at the products our students are creating,” said Becky Cook, director of instructional technology.

Read more about this event on the district website.

Sampson ES Choir

The Sampson ES Stallion Singers Choir performed the National Anthem on March 21 at the Houston Rockets vs. Phoenix Suns basketball game. They were led by choir director Adrienne Applewhite. The students were given the opportunity to enter the stadium through the players’ tunnel entrance, receiving “high fives” from the players as they walked by.

“The students were thrilled at the experience of performing at a NBA basketball game in front of the players and many adoring fans,” Applewhite said. 

Cy-Fair HS Symphonic Band

The Cy-Fair HS Symphonic Band traveled to Colorado during the last week of March to compete in the Winter Park Music Festival. Students from schools in four states gathered at the annual event to compete against one another. Out of the 15 bands, orchestras and jazz bands represented at the festival, Cy-Fair was selected as the best in the large school classification, as well as winning the top overall award for outstanding instrumental ensemble. 

Mark Veenstra, band director, accompanied the students on the trip, along with Radele Walker, Cy-Fair HS assistant principal, and several band booster organization chaperones.

Leadership Academy

Associate superintendent Roy Garcia takes part in an ice breaker activity with Reginal Mitchell, associate principal at Cypress Falls HS, and Sarah Hubble, assistant principal at Salyards MS, during a recent Leadership Academy training session.

CFISD recently held a Leadership Academy session at the Instructional Support Center. Now in its second year, Leadership Academy is a professional development program for existing campus administrators who are interested in pursuing a principalship in the district.

"The program is designed to refine and extend the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful schools," said Roy Garcia, associate superintendent of school administration and leadership development.

Leadership Academy sessions are held throughout the year.

Cy Falls HS Orchestra Teacher

Cy Falls HS orchestra director Dr. John Ricarte is a veteran of his field. He has worked as an orchestra director in CFISD for nearly twenty years. He currently leads a program of approximately 180 students and five orchestras and serves as chair of the fine arts department at Cy Falls.

Ricarte has conducted two semi-professional orchestras in addition to his work in education. Recently, he launched a new project, Grace Symphony Orchestra, a professional ensemble of local musicians. With a unique vision, the group creates performances that incorporate classical music, drama, dance and art. Grace Symphony Orchestra has already put on two performances at the Berry Center.

Ricarte earned his Doctorate of Musical Arts in orchestral conducting at the University of South Carolina. More information about Ricarte and Grace Symphony Orchestra, including upcoming shows, can be found at GraceSymphony.org.

Explore UT

A group of Thornton MS students attended Explore UT at the University of Texas at Austin on March 7. The annual, day-long event is advertised as the biggest open house in Texas and features many attractions for students of all ages. Campus tours, including education facilities and residence halls, provide students a chance to explore post-secondary education options. Students, educators and families are also able to experience museum exhibits, an interactive science presentation and the Children's International Festival, among other educational attractions.

Read more about Explore UT on the University of Texas at Austin website.

Pilot In-Training

Kirk ES first-grade student Elyana Okwueze had a unique educational experience during a recent vacation to Florida. She was the youngest passenger on an early morning flight so the pilot invited Elyana to the cockpit. This gave her the opportunity to learn about the operation of the airplane. After the tour, Elyana expressed her excitement and was ready to fly the plane.