R E P A R I N G S T U D E N T S F O R T O M O R R O W C A R I N G F O R T H E M T O D A Y

Transcripción

1 The Communicator November 2008 Dr. Sergio Reyna, ESL teacher at Holmquist Elementary, has once again been recognized for his hard work and dedication to education. Reyna was named the TexTESOL 2008 Teacher of the Year (K-5). In 2007 he was awarded $25,000 for his school through the H-E-B Foundation. He is pictured with 1 st grade student Diana Laura Diosdado. (see story on page 7) photo by Andrew Duong P R E P A R I N G S T U D E N T S F O R T O M O R R O W C A R I N G F O R T H E M T O D A Y

2 Dr. Louis Stoerner. Superintendent s Message This fall semester has proven to be another exciting and demanding year in Alief ISD. With Hurricane Ike s visit, we saw destruction across the upper Texas coast, here in the Houston area, and over much of the east Texas corridor. Classes were suspended to allow students and staff members to prepare for the storm or evacuate the area. After the hurricane, our district was closed for several days while electrical power was being restored and damage was being assessed. Although Alief ISD sustained some costly wind and rain damage, thankfully we did not have the terrible destruction which districts closer to the coast suffered. The Alief community and our district employees are very resilient. While many of our employees were dealing with problems at their own homes, they still gathered as members of the Alief ISD family to clean and make repairs so everything would be back to normal as quickly as possible. I am so proud to work with such a dedicated group of people who will do whatever it takes to make our facilities the best. We see this same type of commitment every day in our classrooms. Alief ISD started the year with news that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rated 21 of our campuses as recognized or exemplary. That s an increase of almost 30% in one year! Many campuses made double-digit gains in reading, math, and science TAKS scores. Our academic achievement gains district-wide outpaced the state numbers, and continue to rise. We focus on educating every child at every level from pre-k through 12, as well as reaching out to those who have dropped out of high school. Alief ISD offers specialized programs, such as SOAR and night high school, to address scheduling needs of students who have full-time jobs and family obligations. In addition, Side-by-Side provides teaching tools for parents and younger school age children to enhance their learning environments. These proactive initiatives meet the unique needs of many students, but they are costly. Our teacher and staff salaries alone take up nearly 88% of our yearly budget. TEA has recognized Alief as one of the most financially responsible districts in Texas. However, we still had to dip into our savings or fund balance just to be able to cover all operating costs for the 2008 school year because the state has frozen public school funding. School districts are being forced to operate with the same amount of money they received in 2005, and Alief ISD is receiving less money than any of our neighboring districts. Due to this inadequate and inequitable state funding system, our district is forced into holding a tax ratification election on Novembers 20 in order to continue to provide the programs our parents and patrons have come to expect and our students deserve. I am especially proud of our students recent academic gains, and it is vital that they have the same opportunities and instructional resources as students attending other districts across the state. They deserve the highly qualified, well compensated, and dedicated teachers who enable them to excel in and out of the classroom, as our district continues in its mission of preparing students for tomorrow while caring for them today. Sincerely, Dr. Louis Stoerner Superintendent Alief Independent School District 2 District sees positive impact with achievement gains Alief ISD continues to receive recognition for teachers and students hard work and academic excellence in the classroom. This year the Texas Education Agency (TEA) recognized 21 Alief campuses as either recognized or exemplary. That is an increase of 30% in one year. Many campuses made double-digit gains in reading, writing, math, and science TAKS scores. Our academic achievement gains are district wide, in all subject areas, and they outpaced the state averages and continue to rise. Continuing our innovative programs, such as night school, afterschool late-run transportation, and free summer school has helped serve several thousand students who need alternative learning environments and opportunities. And by participating in the Reach Out 2 Dropouts campaign the past two years the district has been able to reconnect with more than 1,500 former students to offer them a way to get back into school and earn their high school diplomas. The district s programs are designed and proven to enhance the outstanding education the children of Alief ISD receive so they will have a strong foundation on which to build a successful future. Local and State Comparisons Alief Alief ISD offers parenting workshops Alief ISD is again offering evening parenting workshops. These sessions are designed to help parents gain information and practical strategies to help children be successful in school and life in general. Sessions are offered on Parenting with Love and Logic, Gang Awareness, Career Planning and Internet Safety. The Parenting with Love and Logic (English) strategies help parents respond to their children s choices and behaviors in ways that hold them responsible for their actions while preserving the loving relationship all families need to function in today s society. In the Career Planning for Middle and High School Students (English) session we will assist you in helping your children with the career planning process from selecting an appropriate career to creating a plan of action for successfully meeting their career goals. In the Gang Awareness (Spanish) session parents will learn about gang related behaviors, what to look for and possible solutions if they think their child is gang involved. The Internet Safety (English) session will help parents gain awareness, knowledge and skills on how to keep their child safe on the internet. Please plan to attend one of the workshops at Alief Middle School, 4415 Cook Road. Sessions begin promptly at 6:30 pm. Baby sitting and homework help will be provided by Alief staff and high school students. Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase from 6:00 pm 6:20 pm at the following prices: Pizza - $1.00 per slice Drinks - $.50 per can or bottle For more information please contact Pat Somers, the Prevention and Safe School Specialist, at , x5773

3 Message from the Alief ISD Board of Trustees: Mensaje del Superintendente El semestre de otoño ha demostrado ser otro año emocionante y con demandas para Alief ISD. Con la visita del Huracán Ike, vimos destrucción a lo largo de la costa norte de Texas, en el área de Houston, y a lo largo del este del estado de Texas. Las clases se suspendieron para permitir que los estudiantes y empleados se prepararan antes que llegara la tormenta o para evacuar. Después del huracán, el distrito estuvo cerrado por varios días mientras el servicio eléctrico era restaurado y los daños eran evaluados. Aunque Alief ISD conto con algunos daños causados por el viento y la lluvia, estamos agradecidos que no sufrimos la terrible destrucción que otros distritos cerca de la costa tuvieron. La comunidad de Alief y los empleados del distrito tenemos una gran capacidad de restauración. Aunque muchos de nuestros empleados estaban ocupándose de los problemas en sus hogares, se unieron como miembros de la familia de Alief ISD para limpiar y hacer las reparaciones necesarias para que todo volviera a la normalidad lo más pronto posible. Estoy muy orgulloso de trabajar con un grupo de personas tan dedicadas, que hacen lo que sea para que nuestros planteles sean los mejores. Vemos este mismo tipo de compromiso en nuestros salones de clases. El año comenzó con noticias de la Agencia de Educación de Texas (TEA) que califico a 21 de nuestros planteles como reconocidos o ejemplares. Es un incremento de casi 30% en un año! Muchos de nuestros planteles tuvieron un incremento de 2 dígitos en lectura, matemáticas, y en ciencias en los resultados de TAKS. Nuestros logros académicos del distrito sobrepasaron los números del estado, y siguen aumentando. Nos enfocamos en educar a cada niño desde Pre-Kínder hasta el 12º grado, así mismo como el buscar a los que han dejado la escuela. Alief ISD ofrece programas especializados, así como SOAR y secundaria de noche, para apoyar a los estudiantes que tienen trabajos de tiempo completo y obligaciones familiares. Además, el programa De Lado a Lado (Side-by-Side), provee herramientas de estudio pre-escolares para los padres y sus niños que les ayudan a mejorar los entornos de aprendizaje. Estas iniciativas son proactivas porque cubren las necesidades de muchos estudiantes, pero a la vez son costosas. Los salarios de nuestros maestros y personal toman casi el 88% de nuestro presupuesto anual. TEA a reconocido que Alief es uno de los distritos de Texas más responsables económicamente. Aun así, tuvimos que utilizar nuestro fondo de ahorros para poder cubrir los gastos de operación del año escolar 2008, dado a que el estado ha congelado los fondos para las escuelas publicas. Los distritos escolares están siendo forzados a operar con la misma cantidad de dinero que recibieron en el Alief ISD esta recibiendo menos fondos que los distritos vecinos. Debido a que el sistema de financiamiento del estado es insuficiente e injusto, nuestro distrito ha sido forzado a tener una elección de ratificación de impuestos el 20 de noviembre. Se esta tomando esta medida para proveer los programas que los padres y la comunidad esperan y la educación que nuestros estudiantes se merecen. Estoy especialmente orgulloso de los logros académicos de nuestros estudiantes, y es vital que ellos obtengan las mismas oportunidades y recursos académicos que los estudiantes que están asistiendo a otros distritos en el estado. Ellos merecen tener a maestros que sean bien recompensados, dedicados, y altamente calificados. Esto les permitirá sobresalir dentro y fuera del salón de clases, mientras nuestro distrito continúa con la misión de Preparar a los estudiantes para el mañana-cuidando de ellos hoy. Atentamente,. Dr. Louis Stoerner Superintendente Alief Independent School District As many of you know, the school funding system changed when House Bill 1 passed a few years ago. Since then, school districts have been funded based ona target revenue system, and Alief ISD is receiving the same fundingper pupil that we received in Our district actually receives less funding per pupil than any of our neighboring districts. Mean while, the same cost increases affecting individuals, such as fuel, utilities and property insurance, ar affecting the school district. We spent $1.3 million on fuel in 2005 and will spend about $2.5 million this year. The funding system does not cover inflationary costs and these increases ar beginning to cause extreme financial hardship for the district. The Board of Trustees and the Administration have scruitnized our budget to identify any possible savings and have taken several cost-cutting steps during the last two years. We moved from block scheduling to a 7-period day, enabling us to reduce 112 staff positions last year, and have not replaced central office administrative positions as they are vacated. We took these actions even after the Texas Education Agency recognized that Alief has one of the most effective operations in the state. We realize that we are stewards of taxpayer dollars and that we have a responsibility to use these funds wisely. Alief ISD spends a larger percentage of monies directlyon instruction than any district in the area, and our administrative and other non-instructional expenditures are well below the state average. Retaining and recruiting quality staff is vital to student success, so our budget includes a 3% salary increase which costs $2.4 million per percentage point. Since 88% of our budget consists of employee salaries and benefits, we can no longer reduce expenditures without affecting our students. At our current funding level, next year s budget will require us to use more than $15 million of our fund balance or savings. If we continue at this rate, we will deplete our fund balance by 2010 and be forced to borrow money just to make payroll. After examining all our options, we are left with onlyone avenue to generate the monies needed to maintain programs and services that are essential to our students success. We must ask our patrons to vote in a tax ratification election on November 20th. Our proposed tax rate is for an additional 7.5 cents per $100 valuation. We have reduced school taxes since 2005 from $1.72 to ur current $1.27. The new rate for 2008 would still be significantly less (39.5 cents) than what homeowners paid in The additional dost for the average homeowner would be approximately $83 a year. Homeowners, 65 years old or older, will not see any incrase since their school property tax amountshave been frozen. This was a very difficult decision for the Board of Trustees. We realize that many of you are recovering from Hurricane Ike, dealing with economic uncertainty, and facing the same inflational costs affecting the district. We believe this tax ratification electionis vitally important. The additional funding will allow us to offer the programs and services that our parents, patrons, and students have come to expect and deserve. The bottom line is that the Boad of Trustees and our district staff are committed to ensuring that every Alief ISD student has the right tools, materials, facilities, and instructional staff needed to ensure their future success. Mensaje de la Mesa Directiva de Alief ISD Como muchos de ustedes saben, el sistema de fondos escolares cambio cuando el Texas House Bill 1 fue aprobado hace varios años. Desde entonces los distritos escolares han recibido fondos basados en un sistema específico de ingresos. Alief ISD recibe los mismos fondos por cada estudiante desde el año escolar Actualmente nuestro distrito recibe menos fondos por estudiante que cualquier otro distrito a nuestro alrededor. Así como los costos están afectando a cada individuo, como la gasolina, utilidades y seguro de propiedad, estos mismos son los que están afectando al distrito. Gastamos $1.3 millones en gasolina en el 2005 y gastaremos alrededor de $2.5 millones este año. El sistema de fondos no cubre gastos de inflación. Estos aumentos empiezan a causar privaciones financieras para el distrito. La Mesa Directiva de Alief ISD y la administración han examinado cuidadosamente el presupuesto para identificar posibles ahorros y han tomado varios pasos para recortar gastos durante los últimos dos años. Tomamos estas acciones aun después que la Agencia Educativa de Texas (TEA) ha reconocido que Alief tiene uno de los sistemas operativos de costo más efectivos del estado. Alief ISD gasta un alto porcentaje de estos impuestos específicamente en materiales de enseñanza que cualquier otro distrito del área. Nuestros gastos administrativos y de operación están debajo del promedio estatal. Retener y reclutar a personal de alta calidad es vital para el éxito de nuestros estudiantes. El presupuesto del incluye un incremento de 3% a los salarios que costara $2.4 millones por cada punto de porcentaje. El 88% de nuestro presupuesto consiste de salarios y beneficios para empleados, no podemos reducir más gastos sin afectar a nuestros estudiantes. Será necesario el usar más de $15 millones de nuestro balance de fondos o ahorros para el presupuesto del próximo año. Si continuamos a este paso, os veremos forzados a pedir un préstamo de fondos solo para cubrir los pagos de nomina para el año Después de examinar todas las opciones, nos queda solo una solución para generar los fondos necesarios para mantener los programas y servicios esenciales para el éxito de nuestros estudiantes. Les pedimos a los miembros de la comunidad que voten el 20 de noviembre para la elección de ratificación de impuestos. La propuesta es de un incremento de 7.5 centavos por cada $100 de valoración. Desde el 2005 hemos reducido los impuestos escolares de $1.72 del costo actual de $1.27. El nuevo índice para el 2008 seria aun menos (39.5 centavos) de los que los propietarios pagaron en el El costo adicional para un propietario promedio seria aproximadamente de $83 al año. Esta ha sido una decisión muy difícil para la Mesa Directiva de Alief. Nos damos cuenta que muchos de ustedes se están recuperando del Huracán Ike, batallando con la incertidumbre económica, y enfrentando los mismos costos de inflación que están afectando al distrito. Nosotros creemos que la elección de ratificación de impuestos es sumamente importante. Los fondos adicionales nos permitirán proveer los programas que los padres y la comunidad esperan y la educación que nuestros estudiantes se merecen. El compromiso de la Mesa Directiva y los empleados es de asegurarnos que cada estudiante de Alief ISD tenga las herramientas, facilidades, y maestros necesarios para asegurar un futuro exitoso. 3

4 Thö cuûa Giaùm Ñoác Hoïc Khu Hoïc kyø trong muøa thu naøy ñaõ chöùng toû laø theâm moät naêm nöõa ñaày söï haøo höùng vaø nhieàu ñoøi hoûi taïi Alief ISD. Qua traän baõo Ike vöøa qua, chuùng ta ñaõ nhìn thaáy söï huûy dieät treân toaøn vuøng duyeân haûi phía treân cuûa Texas, ôû ñaây taïi Houston, vaø nhieàu vuøng haønh lang phía ñoâng cuûa Texas. Caùc lôùp ñaõ phaûi taïm thôøi ñoùng cöûa ñeå cho pheùp caùc em hoïc sinh vaø nhaân vieân chuaån bò cho traän baõo hoaëc di taûn ra khoûi khu vöïc. Sau traän baõo, khu hoïc chaùnh cuûa chuùng ta ñaõ ñoùng cöûa trong nhieàu ngaøy trong khi ñieän naêng ñang ñöôïc khoâi phuïc vaø söï thieät haïi hieän ñang ñöôïc ñaùnh giaù. Maëc duø Alief ISD bò moät soá thieät haïi toán keùm do möa gioù, may maén laø chuùng ta khoâng bò söï taøn phaù döõ doäi maø caùc khu hoïc chaùnh gaàn vôùi mieàn duyeân haûi phaûi chòu. Coäng ñoàng Alief vaø caùc nhaân vieân thuoäc khu hoïc chaùnh cuûa chuùng ta raát kieân cöôøng. Trong khi nhieàu nhaân vieân cuûa chuùng toâi hieän ñang phaûi ñöông ñaàu vôùi caùc trôû ngaïi taïi nhaø rieâng cuûa hoï, hoï vaãn tuï hoïp laïi vôùi tö caùch laø thaønh vieân cuûa gia ñình Alief ISD ñeå doïn deïp vaø söûa chöõa ñeå taát caû moïi thöù trôû laïi bình thöôøng caøng nhanh choùng caøng toát. Toâi haõnh dieän ñöôïc laøm vieäc vôùi nhoùm ngöôøi taän tuïy nhö vaäy laø nhöõng ngöôøi saün loøng laøm baát cöù ñieàu gì cho cô sôû cuûa chuùng ta ñöôïc toát ñeïp nhaát. Chuùng ta nhìn thaáy ñöôïc söï cam keát naøy moãi ngaøy taïi caùc lôùp hoïc cuûa chuùng ta. Alief ISD baét ñaàu naêm nay vôùi nguoàn tin laø Cô Quan Giaùo Duïc Texas (Texas Education Agency - TEA) ñaõ xeáp 21 caùc tröôøng cuûa chuùng vaøo haïng ñöôïc Tuyeân Döông hoaëc laøm Göông Maãu. Ñoù laø moät söï gia taêng gaàn 30% trong moät naêm! Nhieàu tröôøng ñaõ ñaït ñöôïc ñieåm TAKS cao hôn hai con soá veà ñoïc, toaùn, vaø khoa hoïc. Söï thaønh ñaït veà hoïc vaán cuûa chuùng ta ñaõ vöôït qua ñöôïc caùc con soá maø tieåu bang ñaõ ñaët ra treân toaøn theå hoïc khu, vaø tieáp tuïc taêng leân. Chuùng toâi chuù troïng ñeán vieäc giaùo duïc cho moãi em thuoäc moïi caáp lôùp töø pre-k cho tôùi lôùp 12, cuõng nhö lieân laïc vôùi nhöõng em ñaõ boû hoïc ôû tröôøng trung hoïc. Alief ISD coù caùc chöông trình ñaëc bieät, nhö SOAR vaø tröôøng trung hoïc ban ñeâm, ñeå giaûi quyeát cho caùc nhu caàu veà thôøi bieåu cuûa caùc em hoïc sinh hieän ñang coù coâng vieäc laøm toaøn thôøi gian vaø caùc nghóa vuï ñoái vôùi gia ñình. Coâng theâm, Chöông trình Keà Beân Nhau (Side-by-Side) coøn cung caáp caùc hoïc cuï cho phuï huynh vaø caùc em ôû tuoåi ñi hoïc coøn raát nhoû ñeå laøm phong phuù cho khung caûnh hoïc taäp cuûa caùc em. Nhöõng chöông trình ñeà xöôùng tröôùc naøy ñaùp öùng caùc nhu caàu ñoäc ñaùo cuûa nhieàu em hoïc sinh, nhöng raát toán keùm. Chæ löông boång cuûa giaùo vieân vaø nhaân vieân maø thoâi cuõng chieám gaàn 88% ngaân quyõ haøng naêm cuûa chuùng ta. TEA ñaõ coâng nhaän Alief laø moät trong caùc hoïc khu coù traùch nhieäm veà taøi chaùnh nhieàu nhaát taïi Texas. Tuy nhieân, chuùng ta vaãn phaûi nhuùng vaøo soá tieàn tieát kieäm hoaëc soá toàn khoaûn cuûa chuùng ta ñeå coù theå trang traûi moïi chi phí ñieàu haønh cho nieân hoïc 2008 vì tieåu bang ñaõ haïn cheáû möùc coá ñònh vieäc taøi trôï cho caùc tröôøng hoïc coâng laäp. Caùc hoïc khu hieän baét buoäc phaûi ñieàu haønh vôùi cuøng soá tieàn maø hoï nhaän ñöôïc vaøo naêm 2005, vaø Alief ISD hieän ñang nhaän ít tieàn hôn baát cöù khu hoïc chaùnh naøo taïi khu laân caän cuûa chuùng ta. Do heä thoáng taøi trôï khoâng coâng baèng cuûa tieåu bang vaø söï thieáu soùt, hoïc khu cuûa chuùng ta baét buoäc phaûi toå chöùc moät cuoäc boû phieáu pheâ chuaån veà thueá vaøo ngaøy 20 thaùng Möôøi Moät ñeå tieáp tuïc cung caáp caùc chöông trình maø phuï huynh vaø thaân chuû cuûa chuùng ta ñaõ mong ñôïi vaø hoïc sinh cuûa chuùng ta ñaùng ñöôïc höôûng. Toâi ñaëc bieät haõnh dieän veà söï thaønh ñaït veà hoïc vaán môùi ñaây cuûa con em hoïc sinh chuùng ta, vaø ñieàu quan troïng laø caùc em coù ñöôïc cuøng caùc cô hoäi vaø caùc nguoàn trôï giuùp veà giaûng daïy nhö caùc hoïc sinh ñi hoïc taïi caùc khu hoïc chaùnh khaùc treân toaøn tieåu bang. Caùc em ñaùng ñöôïc phuïc vuï bôûi caùc giaùo vieân coù khaû naêng, ñöôïc ñeàn buø xöùng ñaùng vaø taän tuïy ñeå ngöôøi giaùo vieân coù theå giuùp cho caùc em vöôït troäi trong vaø ngoaøi lôùp hoïc, trong khi hoïc khu cuûa chuùng ta vaãn tieáp tuïc nhieäm vuï cuûa mình trong vieäc chuaån bò caùc em hoïc sinh cho ngaøy mai trong khi chaêm lo cho caùc em ngaøy nay. Traân troïng,. Tieán só Louis Stoerner Giaùm Ñoác Khu Hoïc Chaùnh Alief Independent School District 4 Chính Saùch Caäp Nhaät Veà Duïng Cuï Lieân Laïc vaø Giaûi Trí Baèng Ñieän Töû Alief Independent School District cam keát duy trì moät moâi tröôøng giaûng daïy coù chaát löôïng cao nhaát coù theå ñöôïc. Vieäc söû duïng caùc Duïng Cuï Lieân Laïc vaø Giaûi Trí Baèng Ñieän Töû (Electronic Communication or Entertainment Devices - ECED) bò tuyeät ñoái caám trong giôø hoïc, ñöôïc ñònh nghóa laø khoaûng thôøi gian töø luùc ñeán tröôøng cho tôùi luùc ra veà. Hoïc sinh coù theå sôû höõu ECED treân phaàn taøi saûn cuûa AISD vaø caùc sinh hoaït ñöôïc baûo trôï; tuy nhieân hoïc sinh coù traùch nhieäm ñaûm baûo laø ECED phaûi ñöôïc taét ñi vaø ñeå khuaát maét trong khoaûng thôøi gian khoâng ñöôïc pheùp. Hoïc sinh khoâng ñöôïc môû leân hoaëc söû duïng ECED cho tôùi khi keát thuùc ngaøy hoïc chính thöùc. Vieäc söû duïng ECED moät caùch tuïc tóu, baát hôïp phaùp, phæ baùng, ñe doïa hoaëc theo moät kieåu caùch vi phaïm ñeán quyeàn rieâng tö cuûa ngöôøi khaùc ñeàu bò caám. Vieäc khoâng tuaân theo chính saùch naøy seõ daãn ñeán vieäc hoïc sinh bò tòch thu ECED vaø noäp leân cho vaên phoøng. Caùc moùn ñoà bò tòch thu coù theå ñöôïc cha meï hoaëc ngöôøi giaùm hoä laáy laïi baèng caùch trình ra giaáy tôø nhaän daïng hieän haønh coù daùn aûnh vaø ñoùng moät khoaûn leä phí haønh chaùnh baèng tieàn maët laø $15.00 moãi laàn duïng cuï bò tòch thu. Caùc duïng cuï naøy coù theå ñöôïc laáy laïi vaøo caùc ngaøy thöù Ba vaø thöù Naêm trong giôø hoïc. Trong khi taát caû caùc moùn ñoà bò tòch thu ñöôïc giöõ gìn moät caùch caån troïng hôïp lyù, AISD seõ khoâng chòu traùch nhieäm veà söï maát maùt, thieät haïi, maát caép hoaëc baát cöù söï söû duïng traùi pheùp naøo ñoái vôùi moät ECED bò tòch thu. Moät caûnh caùo chung chung seõ coù hieäu löïc vaø seõ ñöôïc coi nhö ñaày ñuû cho caûnh caùo ñaàu tieân Caûnh Caùo Chung trong Cuoán Soå Tay Hoïc Sinh/Phuï Huynh (Caûnh Caùo Ñaàu Tieân) Vieäc vi phaïm chính saùch veà ECED seõ daãn ñeán vieäc thoâng baùo cho phuï huynh, tòch thu vaø caát giöõ taïi ñòa ñieåm trung öông. Ñoùng moät khoaûn leä phí haønh chaùnh baèng tieàn maët laø $15.00 ñeå laáy laïi duïng cuï vaøo caùc ngaøy thöù Ba vaø thöù Naêm trong giôø hoïc. METRO giaûm nöûa giaù cho hoïc sinh Ban chuyeån vaän METRO coù moät chöông trình giaûm giaù môùi cho caùc em hoïc sinh vuøng Houston. Theû METRO Student Q Card hieän ñang thay theá cho taát caû caùc chöông trình giaûm giaù tröôùc kia cho hoïc sinh. Vôùi Theû METRO s Q, taát caû caùc hoïc sinh tieåu hoïc (treân 6 tuoåi) cho ñeán trung hoïc seõ ñöôïc bôùt 50-phaàn traêm giaù loä phí METRO thöôøng leä cuûa caùc em. Khoâng sao neáu quyù vò chöa coù Theû Q naøy. Caùc hoïc sinh vaãn coù theå tieáp tuïc trình theû ID hoïc sinh ñeå ñöôïc giaûm giaù. Theû METRO Student Q cho pheùp ñöôïc leân xe nhanh hôn, theo doõi ñöôïc quaù trình cuûa ngöôøi ñi xe ñeå kieám ñöôïc naêm chuyeán ñi mieãn phí cho moãi 50 chuyeán coù traû tieàn, vaø baûo veä cho soá toàn khoaûn coøn treân theû neáu chaúng may bò maát hoaëc maát caép. Laáy moät Theû METRO Student Q hoâm nay baèng caùch ñeán vieáng METRO RideStore toïa laïc taïi 1900 Main hoaëc taûi xuoáng maãu ghi danh töø trang maïng cuûa METRO taïi Ñeå bieát theâm chi tieát, xin goïi ñöôøng daây METROLine taïi soá ñeå ñöôïc noái keát. Alief ISD coù caùc buoåi hoäi thaûo veà vieäc laøm cha meï Alief ISD laïi moät laàn nöõa coù caùc buoåi hoäi baøn thaûo veà vieäc laøm cha meï. Caùc buoåi hoäi thaûo naøy ñöôïc thieát keá ñeå giuùp cho cha meï coù ñöôïc thoâng tin vaø caùc saùch löôïc thöïc tieãn giuùp cho con em ñöôïc thaønh coâng trong tröôøng vaø ñôøi soáng noùi chung. Vaøo thaùng Möôøi, chuùng toâi coù caùc buoåi hoäi thaûo veà Vieäc Laøm Cha Meï vôùi Tình Thöông Yeâu vaø Höõu Lyù, YÙ Thöùc Veà Baêng Ñaûng, Hoaïch Ñònh Cho Söï Nghieäp vaø An Toaøn Treân Internet. Caùc saùch löôïc veà Vieäc Laøm Cha Meï vôùi Tình Thöông Yeâu vaø Höõu Lyù giuùp cho caùc baäc laøm cha meï ñaùp öùng vôùi caùc löïa choïn vaø haønh vi cuûa con em mình theo caùc phöông caùch baét caùc em phaûi chòu traùch nhieäm veà caùc haønh ñoäng cuûa mình trong khi vaãn duy trì moät quan heä yeâu thöông maø moïi gia ñình caàn coù ñeå hoaït ñoäng trong xaõ hoäi ngaøy nay. Trong buoåi hoäi thaûo veà Hoaïch Ñònh veà Söï Nghieäp Cho Caùc Em Hoïc Sinh Middle vaø High School chuùng toâi seõ giuùp quyù vò trong vieäc hoã trôï cho con em mình veà tieán trình hoaïch ñònh cho söï nghieäp töø vieäc choïn löïa moät ngaønh ngheà thích hôïp ñeå ñaët ra moät keá hoaïch haønh ñoäng ñaùp öùng thaønh coâng vôùi caùc muïc tieâu söï nghieäp cuûa caùc em. Trong buoåi hoäi thaûo veà YÙ Thöùc veà Baêng Ñaûng caùc baäc cha meï seõ tìm hieåu veà caùc haønh vi co lieân quan ñeán baêng ñaûng, nhöõng gì caàn tìm kieám vaø caùc giaûi phaùp coù theå coù neáu hoï nghó laø con em hoï coù dính líu ñeán baêng ñaûng. Buoåi hoäi thaûo veà Söï An Toaøn Treân Internet seõ giuùp cho caùc baäc cha meï coù ñöôïc söï yù thöùc, hieåu bieát vaø kyõ naêng veà caùch giöõ cho con em mình an toaøn treân internet. Xin ñaët keá hoaïch ñeå tham döï moät trong caùc buoåi hoäi thaûo taïi Alief Middle School, 4415 Cook Road. Caùc buoåi hoäi thaûo seõ baét ñaàu ngay luùc 6:30 chieàu Vieäc giöõ treû vaø giuùp laøm baøi taäp seõ ñöôïc cung caáp bôûi nhaân vieân cuûa Alief vaø hoïc sinh trung hoïc. Coù saün Pizza vaø thöùc uoáng ñeå mua töø 6:00 chieàu 6:20 chieàu vôùi giaù caû sau ñaây: Pizza - $1.00 moät mieáng nhoû Ñoà uoáng - $.50 moãi lon hoaëc chai Ñeå bieát theâm chi tieát xin lieân laïc vôùi Pat Somers, Chuyeân Vieân veà Phoøng Ngöøa vaø An Toaøn Nhaø Tröôøng, taïi soá , x5773

5 Updated Electronic Communication and Entertainment Device Policy (Cell phones, PDAs and mp3 players) Alief Independent School District is committed to maintaining the highest quality instructional environment possible. The use of Electronic Communication or Entertainment Devices (ECED) is strictly prohibited during instructional hours, which is defined as the period of time from arrival on campus through dismissal. Students may possess ECED on AISD property and sponsored activities; however, it is the students responsibility to ensure that the ECED is turned off and out of sight during unauthorized times. Students must not turn on or use the ECED until the end of the official instructional day. The use of ECED in a manner that is obscene, illegal, profane, threatening or in a fashion which violates another person s privacy is prohibited. Failure to comply with this policy will result in the ECED being confiscated from the student and turned in to the office. Confiscated items can be retrieved by parents or guardians by presenting current photo identification and paying a $15.00 cash administrative fee each time a device is confiscated. Devices can be reclaimed on Tuesdays and Thursdays during school hours. While reasonable care will be given to safeguard all items confiscated, AISD will not assume responsibility or liability for loss, damage, theft or any unauthorized use of a confiscated ECED. A global warning is in effect and shall be considered sufficient as a first warning. Global Warning in Student/Parent Handbook (First Warning) ECED policy violated will result in parental notification, confiscation and storage in central location Pay $15.00 cash administrative fee to reclaim device on Tuesdays or Thursdays during school hours. METRO offers students half price discount METRO transportation has a new discount program available for students in the Houston area. The new METRO Student Q Card is replacing all previous student discount programs. With METRO s Q Card, all elementary (over the age of 6) through high-school students will receive a 50-percent discount off their regular price METRO fare. It is alright if you do not already have your Q Card. Students may continue to present their school ID to receive their discount. The METRO Student Q Card provides faster boarding, tracks riders progress toward earning five free trips for every 50 paid, and protects the balance if your card is ever lost or stolen. Get a METRO Student Q Card today by visiting the METRO RideStore located at 1900 Main or download the registration form from the METRO web site at For more information call the METROLine at to get connected. Birthday procedures for celebrations in school In order to be in compliance with the City of Houston Health Department s and TDA s latest regulations concerning birthday parties, the following procedure is now in place: With the principal s approval, the birthday party may be held outside of the cafeteria - classroom, playground, etc. A parent/guardian must provide store purchased cupcakes (or cookies) or they may purchase them from the cafeteria. Ask Theresa Hoyt at ext for a Birthday Party Request Form. If party is held in the cafeteria, the cupcakes (or cookies) must be provided by the cafeteria. If parents would like to celebrate their child s birthday with class members in the cafeteria OR would like to purchase from the cafeteria manager, please ask the parent to complete the request form, which the teacher will give to the cafeteria manager at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the celebration. The cafeteria will provide individually wrapped birthday cupcakes (or cookies) that can be served to the class in the cafeteria after the class has completed their lunch. Each cupcake will be provided at a price of $.40. (Cookie is $.25.) Cash payment must accompany request. Política Actualizada de Dispositivos Electrónicos de Comunicación y Entretenimiento El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Alief (AISD, por sus siglas en inglés) está comprometido en mantener el ambiente de enseñanza de la mejor calidad posible. El uso de Dispositivos Electrónicos de Comunicación o de Entretenimiento (ECED, por sus siglas en inglés) está estrictamente prohibido durante las horas de enseñanza, las cuales se definen como el período de tiempo entre la llegada al campus hasta la autorización para retirarse. Los estudiantes pueden tener en su posesión los dispositivos ECED mientras estén en la propiedad y en las actividades patrocinadas por el AISD; sin embargo, es responsabilidad de los estudiantes el asegurarse de que los dispositivos ECED estén apagados y guardados fuera de la vista durante los horarios en que no están autorizados. Los estudiantes no pueden encender o utilizar los dispositivos ECED hasta el final oficial del día de enseñanza. Está prohibido utilizar los dispositivos ECED de una manera obscena, ilegal, profana, amenazante o que de algún modo viole la privacidad de otra persona. El no cumplir con esta política resultará en que el dispositivo ECED le será confiscado al estudiante y entregado a la oficina. Los artículos confiscados podrán ser retirados por los padres o tutores mediante la presentación de una identificación vigente con foto y el pago de una tarifa administrativa de $15 en efectivo cada vez que un dispositivo sea confiscado. Los dispositivos pueden ser reclamados los martes y jueves durante el horario escolar. Aunque se tomará el cuidado necesario para resguardar todos los artículos confiscados, el AISD no asume responsabilidad alguna por la pérdida, daño, hurto o cualquier uso no autorizado de los dispositivos ECED confiscados. Una advertencia global está vigente y será considerada suficiente como primera advertencia. Advertencia Global en el Manual de Estudiantes y Padres (Primera Advertencia) La violación de la política respecto a los dispositivos ECED resultará en la notificación a los padres, la confiscación y el almacenaje del dispositivo ECED en un lugar central Pago de una tarifa administrativa de $15 en efectivo para reclamar el dispositivo los martes o jueves durante el horario escolar. METRO ofrece descuentos de medio precio a los estudiantes Los transportes METRO tienen un nuevo programa disponible para los estudiantes en el área de Houston. La nueva tarjeta METRO Student Q Card remplazara todos los programas previos de descuento para los estudiantes. Con la tarjeta METRO Q Card, todos los estudiantes de primaria (mayores de 6 años) hasta secundaria recibirán 50% de descuento de la tarifa regular que cobra METRO. Si no tiene una tarjeta Q Card, los estudiantes pueden seguir presentando su identificación escolar para recibir el descuento. La tarjeta METRO Student Q Card provee paradas más rápidas, monitorea el progreso de los usuarios para ganarse cinco viajes gratis por cada 50 que paguen, y protege el balance en su tarjeta en caso de que la pierdan o se la roben. Obtenga su tarjeta de METRO Student Q Card hoy al visitar la tienda METRO RideStore localizada en el 1900 Main o baje la forma de registración del sitio de pagina Web de METRO en Para mas información llame a METROLine al para conectarse. Alief ofrecerá de nuevo los talleres nocturnos sobre la crianza de los hijos Alief ISD ofrecerá de nuevo los talleres nocturnos sobre la crianza de los hijos. Las sesiones fueron diseñadas para informar a los padres y proporcionarles estrategias que ayudarán a sus hijos a tener éxito en la escuela y en la vida en general. En octubre ofreceremos sesiones de LA CRIANZA DE LOS HIJOS CON EL AMOR Y LA LÓGICA, de EL PROBLEMA DE LAS PANDILLAS, de LA PLANIFICACIÓN DE LA CARRERA y de LA SEGURIDAD EN INTERNET. Las estrategias de LA CRIANZA DE LOS HIJOS CON EL AMOR Y LA LÓGICA sesión ofrecida en inglés, ayudarán a los padres a responder a las decisiones y comportamientos de sus hijos haciéndolos responsables de sus actos, pero manteniendo, al mismo tiempo, la relación de amor que todas las familias necesitan para funcionar en la sociedad actual. La sesión sobre LA PLANIFICACIÓN DE LA CARRERA PARA LOS ESTUDIANTES DE LA ESCUELA MEDIA Y DE LA PREPARATORIA, ofrecida en inglés, les será muy útil para ayudar a su hijo en el proceso de planificación de su propia carrera futura: desde la elección de una carrera adecuada, hasta la creación y el desarrollo de un plan de acción que le permita lograr aquellos objetivos de carrera que se haya propuesto. Durante la sesión acerca de EL PROBLEMA DE LAS PANDILLAS, en español, los padres aprenderán sobre el comportamiento pandillero, las señales a las que hay que estar atento y las posibles soluciones, si existiere la sospecha de que su hijo está involucrado en alguna pandilla. La sesión sobre LA SEGURIDAD EN INTERNET, en inglés, permitirá a los padres tomar conciencia de los peligros del Internet y adquirir los conocimientos y las destrezas necesarias para mantener a su hijo seguro en su relacionamiento con la red. Le agradecemos desde ya su asistencia a uno de estos talleres que se llevarán a cabo en Alief Middle School, 4415 Cook Road. Las sesiones se inician puntualmente a las 6:30 p.m. El personal de Alief y estudiantes de preparatoria brindarán servicios de guardería (atención de niños) y de ayuda con las tareas. Desde las 6:00 p.m. hasta las 6:20 p.m., se podrá comprar pizza y bebidas a los siguientes precios: Pizza - $1.00 por la porción Bebidas - $.50 por la lata o la botella Si tiene cualquier pregunta, por favor no dude en llamarme, Pat Somers, Especialista en Prevención y Escuelas Seguras , Ext

6 Navy JROTC enrollment increases Alief Taylor High School s Navy JROTC enrollment is up nearly 13% from last year. There were 159 cadets during the school year and there are 180 cadets participating in More than 100 of the cadets are freshmen. The Navy JROTC s motto is the same as its core values; Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The unit s primary focus is on first year cadets. During the first semester, cadets will learn military drill, the correct way to wear the uniform and uniform regulations. A strong emphasis will be placed on military customs and courtesies.the second semester will focus the value of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment. Upperclassmen will concentrate on history, leadership and nautical sciences. The first contest the Navy JROTC will compete in this year is the annual military drill meet at Westbrook H.S. in Beaumont. The competition includes armed and unarmed color guard, personnel inspection, and physical fitness tests. A stand out cadet to watch is Cadet Ensign Joycelyn Ovalle. As a sophomore last year her platoon was awarded Honor Platoon at the Annual Military Inspection, and she was the recipient of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Ovalle competes on the unarmed drill team, Color Guard, and physical fitness team. The Navy team instructors are Captain John W. Hensley, Chief Santos Valadez, and 1 st Sgt. Rudy Barrera (from Hastings H.S.). Navy JROTC cadets pictured are: Front row - Cadet Executive Officer Joycelyn Ovalle, Cadet Commander Celeste Batres, and cadet Melissa Looza. Back row - Byron Jimenez, Edwin Pena, and Walter Gomez. Alief Hastings Marine JROTC receives top honor and focuses on the strong future for cadets The Hastings High School Marine JROTC has an enrollment of more than 200 students with 116 of them being new cadets. The Hastings program has recently been designated a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps Honor School for the superior efforts of the unit. The Mission of the Hastings JROTC is to instill in its cadets the core values of the Marine Corps which are honor, courage and commitment. The cadets are also taught the five tenets: leadership, citizenship, personal growth, responsibility, public service and career exploration, as well as general military subjects. The motto of the Marine JROTC is exactly the same as the United States Marine Corps: Semper Fidelis, which means Always Faithful. Throughout the fall semester, first year cadets who are LE-I (Leadership Education One) will be focusing on leadership, drill and general military subjects. The second semester introduces cadets to in-depth citizenship and personal growth studies to help them set future goals for themselves. In November, at George Bush High School, cadets will be participating in color guard, armed and unarmed drill, physical fitness and marksmanship competitions. The 2008 top cadet is senior Sergeant Korey Huynh. Huynh has been in the ROTC for four years and has already joined the Marine Corps in the delayed entry program. Upon graduation, he will be attending boot camp in San Diego, Ca. The Hastings Marine JROTC instructors are Master Gunnery Sergeant Ronnie Polk (MGySgt), 1stSgt LaShan Bland and MSgt Larry King. Air Force JROTC cadet flies high at leadership school This summer students participated in a state leadership conference. Hastings High School senior, Lisa Martinez, was selected as a Distinguished Graduate at the Lone Star Leadership School on the campus of The University of Texas, San Antonio. Martinez continues to be a part of the JROTC program at Hastings this year. Lt. Col Laughlin from the Alief ISD Air Force JROTC program is proud of all his young cadets. Laughlin said, They are proving to be good learners and therefore should be good leaders. Lisa Martinez is presented with the Distinguished Graduate award by Colonel Dennis LeVan, Camp Commandant. Air Force JROTC opens year with strong impact Cadets in the Alief ISD Air Force JROTC program assisted new students during the Elsik Ninth Grade Center Fish Camp 9 th grade orientation in August. Ten cadets answered new student questions about Air Force Junior ROTC and other high school related issues. Nearly 150 students participate in the Air Force JROTC program. There are more than 70 new cadets for Their motto is Educating Today s Students for Tomorrow s Leaders. Integrating these new cadets into the program will be the main focus during the first semester. They will attend all of the at the Elsik home football games. The Cadet Corps Commander for this school year is Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Stefanie Reyes. She is a senior at Hastings high school. 26 AFJROTC cadets gather for a group photo during the ENGC Fish Camp orientation. Pictured left to right: (sitting) David Sanchez, Christian Pineda, (standing with mascot) Urania Mejia, Stefanie Reyes, (standing) Alex Gomez, Thomas Ramirez, Julio Tuch, Earnest Alvarado, Kris Marcelle, and Anthony Phan

7 Alief ISD continues to reach out to drop outs Nearly 300 Alief community members, and Alief ISD staff members, students and community volunteers gave up their regular Saturday activities to reach out to Alief drop-outs. Forty-two teams of volunteers loaded onto school buses at 9:00 a.m. and then walked the streets of the Alief community to search for former students who left school before earning their high school diplomas to invite them to return to school. The groups spoke with more than 300 dropouts about the life-changing benefits of completing their high school education. Former students who expressed an interest in returning to school were encouraged to register immediately. Twenty-nine of them headed straight over to Alief Hastings High School within hours of the volunteer visit. Hastings served as the central enrolling location for all four Alief High Schools Elsik, Hastings, Taylor and Kerr. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Joyce Eddings organized the Reach out to Dropouts program in Alief. She said, The program helped a number of students earn their diplomas during the school year. We look for another successful group of graduates in Prior to the knock-on-doors campaign, letters were mailed to former students and district marquees announced the Reach Out to Dropout Walk. The district is appreciative of all the Alief businesses that posted advertisements promoting the walk. For more information contact the Student Services department at ext: Jack Erwin being presented with the Middle School Teacher of the Year Award by Paula Hart the director of the American Lawyers Auxiliary Board Alief teacher wins national law association award For more than 40 years the American Lawyers Auxiliary has been active in its support of public education and citizenship awareness. Recognizing the vital role that teachers play in law-related education, the Auxiliary sponsors an annual Law-Related Education Teacher of the Year Award. For 2008, Alief ISD s own Jack Erwin is the winner of the ALA Teacher of the Year Award in the middle school category. Erwin teaches business law and economics. He also organized the middle school Law Academy at O Donnell Middle School. The purpose of the award is to honor teachers who have made significant contributions in the area of law-related education, and have developed programs that have: Furthered the understanding of the role of the courts, law enforcement agencies and the legal profession. Helped students to recognize their duties as well as their rights. Encouraged effective law-related education programs in schools and communities. Increased communication between students, educators, and those involved professionally in the legal system In August, Erwin received an Alice Carr Scholarship of $1500 during the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Lawyers Auxiliary in New York City. He presented a short speech telling how he uses law related education, including mock trials and an investment program, in his classroom. Upon his return from New York, he received special recognition by the Alief ISD School Board. ESL teacher receives another top honor Dr. Sergio Reyna of Holmquist Elementary has been named a 2008 Texas Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TexTESOL) Teacher of the Year. Co-workers Diana Cavazos and Irene Martinez nominated Reyna for the award. Holmquist principal Nancy Lewin said, We are so proud to have Dr. Reyna working with us at Holmquist. He is an outstanding teacher and our students enjoy learning in his classroom. Reyna was honored at a luncheon during the TexTESOL Regional Conference on Oct. 11, at the University of Houston Hilton Hotel. Last year, Reyna was selected as an H-E-B Excellence in Education Award winner and received the Elementary Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, which included $25,000 donation to his school, recognized his contribution to Texas public school children through his professionalism, leadership and dedication to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. He was nominated for the H-E-B award while he was teaching at Alief ISD s Horn Elementary. Alief ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap or sex. The career and technology education program operates in accordance with the provisions of Titles VI, VII, and IX and Section 504 of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Alief ISD program admission procedures, facilities and graduation requirements are designed to eliminate discrimination. Alief ISD will take steps to ensure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all programs, including career and technology education. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, write the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at P.O. Box 68, Alief, TX 77411, or call , ext

8 Q & A Regarding the Alief ISD Tax Rollback Election 1. What is a rollback election? The State now requires school districts to obtain voter approval through a tax rollback election also referred to as a tax referendum to increase the maintenance and operations tax rate, similar to previous bond election authorizations. 2. How much will our taxes increase? Approval will result in a tax increase of 7.5 cents, or about $7 a month for the average homeowner. It does not increase our senior citizens tax bill because of the over-65 tax exemption. Property Tax for Average Alief ISD Homeowner 7. Why does Alief need the extra money? Texas House Bill 1 froze per-pupil-funding indefinitely three years ago, forcing us to operate the district in 2008 with the same funding we received in 2005 despite rapidly escalating costs, such as diesel fuel, electricity, health insurance and property insurance. Alief ISD receives less of the state s tax revenue than any of our neighboring school districts including Katy and Fort Bend, and both of these districts have taxes HIGHER than Alief s! 60,000,000 Additional Dollars Neighboring Districts Receive Under Current Funding System 50,000,000 $54,402, $460 +$83 +$1,720 +$1,265 +$1, Is there another way to get the money besides raising our tax rate? No. The state has limited the ability of school districts to raise additional funds. We already had to use some of our fund balance to meet expenditures for the and school years, and next year s budget will require us to use more than $18 million of our fund balance or savings. If we continue this trend, our emergency fund will be rapidly depleted; and in 2010, we will not be able to cover our fall expenditures. A tax increase is the ONLY way to generate more funds. 4. Instead of raising taxes, why don t you use the money that was used to build the new stadium facilities and remodel the administration building? The money came from bond sales approved by Alief voters and designated specifically for those projects. It could not be used for anything else. Bond money may ONLY be used for construction and equipping new buildings, renovations, additions and extensions to present facilities, and to purchase property for new school sites. It CANNOT be used for operating expenses, such as salaries or instructional materials and programs. 5. Have you investigated all options to cut spending before raising our taxes? Yes. Alief ISD has taken several cost-cutting steps during the last two years, such as going from block scheduling to seven period days in the high schools and not filling central administration positions as employees retired or resigned. Alief already has the lowest administrator and non-instructional expenses of all area school districts. We are trying to avoid impacting instructional programs. 6. Why didn t we vote on this during the general election? Legally, we couldn t. The district could not hold the tax election on the same day as the general election because Alief ISD received the certified property values from Harris County Appraisal District too late. 40,000,000 30,000,000 20,000,000 10,000, My state properties have increased due to higher property valuations. So, isn t Alief ISD receiving more money for education? No. Alief ISD receives no benefit for maintenance and operations from increased property taxes because the state reduces their contribution to the district dollar for dollar for each dollar they gain. 9. If I m not a property owner, can I still vote? Absolutely! You do not have to own your home. If you are a registered voter and live in Alief, you can and SHOULD vote in this election. 10. What happens if the tax rollback does not pass? It will have a drastic impact on the school district. Salaries will have to be frozen, preventing us from attracting and retaining the highest quality teaching staff. Our fund balance will be depleted to a level that will prevent us from being able to make our payroll without borrowing money. Many personnel and teaching positions will be eliminated, causing class sizes to increase significantly. $13,642,235 $12,751,407 $10,969,551 $28,175,598 $24,055,056 $23,832,324 0 $1,503,441 Pasadena Fort Bend Pearland Aldine HISD Spring Alief Branch Katy Lamar Clear Creek A 7.5 cent tax rollback... $38,476,953 $36,639,414 Deer Park amounts to approximately $83 per year, or a little less than $7 a month for the average AISD homeowner. is an overall reduction of 38 from the 2005 tax rate. Alief homeowners have seen a significant decrease in their school district taxes since 2005, amounting to more than $460 per year. does not increase our senior citizens tax bill, since the school district honors the over-65 tax exemption.

9 Q & A Regarding the Alief ISD Tax Rollback Election 1. Que es una elección de ratificación de impuestos? El estado pide que cada distrito escolar obtenga aprobación de los votantes mediante una elección que también se le llama referéndum de impuestos, para incrementar el mantenimiento y operaciones de la taza de impuestos, similar a la elección previa de bonos. 2. Que tanto incrementaran nuestros impuestos? La aprobación de impuestos da como resultado el incremento de 7.5 centavos, o de casi $83 dólares al año para un propietario promedio. Esto no incrementa el pago de impuestos para los propietarios de edad avanzada por la excepción de 65 años o mayores. 3. Porque Alief necesita fondos adicionales? El Texas House Bill 1 congelo el financiamiento para cada estudiante indefinidamente hace tres años, forzándonos a operar en el 2008 con los mismos fondos que recibimos en el 2005 a pesar del incremento en costos, así como la gasolina diesel, electricidad, seguro medico y seguro de propiedad. Alief ISD recibe la menor cantidad de las ganancias de impuestos que cualquier otro distrito escolar a nuestro alrededor incluyendo Katy, Fort Bend y Spring Branch. 4. Existe otra forma de conseguir fondos sin tener que incrementar la taza de impuestos? La Legislatura del estado de Texas ha limitado las habilidades de los distritos escolares a incrementar ganancias adicionales. La única forma que un distrito escolar puede generar mas recursos es al incrementar las inscripciones de los estudiantes, sacar de las reservas del fondo del distrito o pedir la aprobación de los votantes en una elección de ratificación de impuestos. Desafortunadamente, las inscripciones de nuestros estudiantes han disminuido. Ya hemos tenido que usar parte del fondo del distrito para cubrir gastos de los años escolares y , y el presupuesto para el año entrante requiere que usemos mas de $18 millones del balance de las reservas del distrito o del fondo de ahorro. Si seguimos con este patrón, nuestro fondo de emergencia se acabara rápidamente; y en el 2010, no podremos cubrir los gastos del otoño. Un incremento en impuestos es la UNICA manera de poder generar más fondos. 5. En lugar de incrementar impuestos, porque no se usan los fondos que se usaron para construir las nuevas instalaciones del estadio o la remodelación de las oficinas administrativas? Esos fondos son de los bonos aprobados por los votantes de Alief y designados específicamente para esos proyectos. No podían ser usados para otra cosa. Los fondos de bonos solo pueden ser utilizados para la construcción y equipar esos nuevos edificios, renovaciones, adiciones y extensiones para las instalaciones, y para comprar propiedades para construir nuevas escuelas. No se pueden usar estos fondos para gastos de operación, así como los de salarios o materiales de instrucción y programas. 6. Se han investigado todas las opciones para recortar gastos antes de incrementar nuestros impuestos? Si, Alief ISD a tomado varios pasos para recortar gastos durante los dos últimos años, así como el de los horarios en las escuelas secundarias a 7 clases por día y no reemplazar posiciones administrativas conforme a como los empleados se jubilan o renuncian. Alief tiene los gastos más bajos que cualquier otro distrito escolar del área en posiciones administrativas y de personal no relacionado directamente con los programas educativos. Estamos tratando de no afectar a los programas educativos. 7. Que pasara si la ratificación de impuestos no es aprobada? Tendrá un impacto drástico en el distrito escolar. Los salarios tendrán que ser congelados, y no podremos reclutar y retener a maestros de alta calidad. Esto nos forzara a usar fondos de las reservas. Dentro de tres años, estos ahorros se acabaran al nivel que no podremos hacer los pagos de nomina sin pedir dinero prestado. Muchas de las posiciones de personal y de maestros serán eliminadas, causando que el número de estudiantes en las clases aumente significativamente. H & Ñ Veà Cuoäc Boû Phieáu Taêng Thueá Cho Alief ISD 1. Boû phieáu taêng thueá laø gì? Tieåu bang hieän nay ñoøi hoûi caùc khu hoïc chaùnh phaûi coù ñöôïc söï chaáp thuaän cuûa caùc cöû tri qua moät cuoäc boû phieáu taêng thueá cuõng ñöôïc goïi laø tröng caàu daân yù veà thueá ñeå gia taêng möùc thueá baûo trì vaø hoaït ñoäng, töông töï nhö söï cho pheùp boû phieáu veà traùi phieáu tröôùc ñaây. 2. Thueá cuûa chuùng ta gia taêng tôùi möùc naøo? Söï chaáp thuaän seõ laøm taêng thueá leân 7.5 cents, hoaëc khoaûng $83 moät naêm cho moät sôû höõu chuû caên nhaø trung bình. Thueá naøy khoâng laøm taêng tieàn thueá cho caùc coâng daân cao nieân vì ñöôïc mieãn thueá khi treân 65 tuoåi. 3. Taïi sao Alief caàn theâm tieàn? Döï Luaät 1 Quoác Hoäi ôû Texas ñaõ phong toûa voâ haïn ñònh vieäc taøi trôï cho moãi em hoïc sinh ba naêm veà tröôùc, baét buoäc chuùng ta phaûi ñieàu haønh khu hoïc chaùnh trong naêm 2008 vôùi cuøng soá ngaân quyõ maø chuùng ta nhaän ñöôïc vaøo naêm 2005 baát keå ñeán vieäc chi phí leo thang nhanh choùng, nhö daàu diesel, ñieän, baûo hieåm söùc khoûe vaø baûo hieåm taøi saûn. Alief ISD nhaän ñöôïc thu nhaäp veà thueá cuûa tieåu bang ít hôn so vôùi caùc khu hoïc chaùnh laân caän cuûa chuùng ta bao goàm Katy, Fort Bend vaø Spring Branch. 4. Coù caùch naøo khaùc ñeå kieám tieàn ngoaøi vieäc taêng thueá cuûa chuùng ta khoâng? Luaät Texas ñaõ giôùi haïn khaû naêng cuûa caùc khu hoïc chaùnh trong vieäc kieám theâm thu nhaäp. Phöông caùch duy nhaát cho caùc khu hoïc chaùnh ñeå taïo ra theâm thu nhaäp laø gia taêng sæ soá ghi danh cuûa hoïc sinh, ruùt ra töø soá toàn khoaûn ñeå daønh cuûa khu hoïc chaùnh hoaëc yeâu caàu cöû tri chaáp thuaän trong moät cuoäc boû phieáu taêng thueá. Ruûi thay laø, soá ghi danh cuûa caùc em hoïc sinh chuùng ta ñaõ giaûm suùt. Chuùng ta ñaõ phaûi duøng moät soá ngaân khoaûn trong quyõ ñeå ñaùp öùng caùc chi tieâu cho nieân khoùa vaø , vaø ngaân saùch cho naêm tôùi ñoøi hoûi chuùng ta phaûi duøng hôn $18 trieäu soá ngaân quyõ coøn laïi hoaëc tieàn tieát kieäm. Neáu chuùng ta tieáp tuïc ñaø naøy, quyõ döï truø cho tröôøng hôïp khaån caáp seõ bò kieät queä nhanh choùng; vaø trong naêm 2010, chuùng ta seõ khoâng theå trang traûi ñöôïc cho caùc chi tieâu vaøo muøa thu. Taêng thueá laø phöông caùch DUY NHAÁT ñeå taïo ra theâm ngaân quyõ. 5. Thay vì taêng thueá, taïi sao quyù vò khoâng duøng soá tieàn duøng ñeå xaây caùc cô sôû môùi cuûa vaän ñoäng tröôøng vaø truøng tu laïi toøa nhaø haønh chaùnh? Soá tieàn naøy laø do baùn caùc traùi phieáu ñaõ ñöôïc caùc cöû tri Alief chaáp thuaän vaø ñöôïc quy ñònh roõ laø chæ duøng cho caùc döï aùn naøy maø thoâi. Quyõ naøy khoâng theå duøng cho baát cöù ñieàu gì khaùc. Tieàn do baùn traùi phieáu CHÆ coù theå ñöôïc duøng ñeå xaây döïng vaø trang bò cho caùc toøa nhaø môùi, canh taân, theâm vaø môû roäng caùc cô sôû hieän taïi ra, vaø ñeå mua taøi saûn cho caùc ñòa ñieåm môùi cuûa tröôøng hoïc. Tieàn naøy KHOÂNG THEÅ duøng cho caùc chi tieâu veà ñieàu haønh, nhö löông boång hoaëc caùc vaät lieäu vaø chöông trình giaûng daïy. 6. Quyù vò coù ñieàu tra taát caû caùc löïa choïn ñeå caét giaûm tieâu xaøi tröôùc khi taêng thueá cuûa chuùng ta hay khoâng? Coù. Alief ISD ñaõ ñaûm nhieäm caùc giai ñoaïn caét giaûm chi phí trong hai naêm qua, nhö ñi töø ñònh lòch trình theo khoái sang thôøi kyø baûy ngaøy taïi caùc tröôøng trung hoïc vaø khoâng tuyeån theâm ngöôøi cho caùc chöùc vuï haønh chaùnh trung öông nhö khi nhaân vieân veà höu hoaëc töø chöùc. Alief ñaõ coù soá chi tieâu thaáp nhaát cho quaûn trò vieân vaø cho vieäc khoâng phaûi giaûng daïy cuûa taát caû caùc khu hoïc chaùnh taïi khu vöïc. Chuùng toâi ñaõ coá traùnh gaây aûnh höôûng ñeán caùc chöông trình giaûng daïy. 7. Ñieàu gì xaûy ra neáu vieäc xin taêng thueá khoâng ñaït ñöôïc? Ñieàu naøy seõ coù moät aûnh höôûng maïnh meõ ñoái vôùi khu hoïc chaùnh. Löông boång seõ phaûi daäm chaân taïi choã, ngaên khoâng cho chuùng ta giöõ ñöôïc möùc caïnh tranh trong vieäc thu huùt vaø löu giöõ nhaân vieân giaûng daïy coù chaát löôïng cao nhaát. Chuùng ta seõ baét buoäc phaûi duøng soá tieàn coøn laïi trong ngaân quyõ. Trong voøng ba naêm, caùc soá tieàn naøy seõ bò kieät queä tôùi möùc seõ ngaên chuùng ta khoâng theå traû löông ñöôïc neáu khoâng ñi möôïn tieàn. Nhieàu chöùc vuï nhaân söï vaø giaûng daïy seõ bò loaïi boû, laøm cho soá hoïc sinh trong lôùp bò giaûm suùt ñi raát nhieàu. 9

10 Election Date: November 20 Early Voting: November 3-17 NOTICE OF TAX ROLL BACK ELECTION To the Registered Voters of the Alief Independent School District: Notice is hereby given that the polling places listed on page 11 will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 2008 for voting in a Tax Roll Back Election for the purpose of: Approving the ad valorem tax rate of $1.34 per $100 valuation in Alief Independent School District for the current year, a rate that is $ higher per $100 valuation than the school district rollback tax rate. Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted each weekday at the main Early Voting Polling Place located at: ALIEF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 4250 Cook Rd Alief ISD 4250 Cook Rd. November 3, 4, 5, 6, & 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Alief ISD 4250 Cook Rd. November 7, 14 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Early voting will also be held at the following locations: Elsik High School, High Star, November 7, 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Holmquist Elementary, Westpark Dr., November 7, 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. O Donnell Middle School, Alief Clodine Rd., November 13, 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Alief Taylor High School, 7555 Howell Sugar Land Rd., November 15, 5:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Applications for ballot by mail shall be mailed to: Becky Hinojosa, Assistant Early Voting Clerk 4250 Cook Rd Houston, Texas Applications for ballots by mail must be received no later than the close of business on November 13, AVISO DE ELECCIÓN DE TASA LÍMITE DE IMPUESTO A los votantes registrados del Distrito Escolar Independiente de Alief: Se notifica por el presente que los lugares de votación permanecerán abiertos de 7:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. el día 20 de noviembre de 2008, para votar en una Elección de Tasa Límite de Impuesto cuyo propósito es: La aprobación de la tasa de impuesto al valor agregado de $1.34 por cada $100 de avalúo en el Distrito Escolar Independiente de Alief para el corriente año, tasa que es $ más alta por cada $100 de avalúo que la tasa límite de impuesto del distrito escolar. La votación anticipada en persona se llevará a cabo cada día hábil en el lugar central de votación anticipada ubicado en: ALIEF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 4250 Cook Rd Alief ISD 4250 Cook Rd. Noviembre 3, 4, 5, 6, & 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alief ISD 4250 Cook Rd. Noviembre 7, 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. TAMBIÉN SE LLEVARÁ A CABO VOTACIÓN ANTICIPADA EN LAS SIGUIENTES SUCURSALES: Elsik High School High Star Noviembre 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Holmquist Elementary Westpark Dr. Noviembre 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. O Donnell Middle School Alief Clodine Rd. Noviembre 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Alief Taylor High School 7555 Howell Sugar Land Rd. Noviembre 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Las boletas de votación por correo deben solicitarse a: Becky Hinojosa, Assistant Early Voting Clerk 4250 Cook Rd Houston, Texas Toda solicitud de boleta de votación por correo debe ser recibida, a más tardar, al cierre del horario de oficina del día 13 de noviembre de THÔNG BÁO VỀ CUỘC BẦU CỬ THUẾ HOÀN TRẢ Gửi các cử tri đã ghi danh của Khu Học Chánh Độc Lập Alief: Theo đây chúng tôi xin thông báo rằng các địa điểm bỏ phiếu được liệt kê sẽ mở cửa từ 7 giờ sáng đến 7 giờ tối vào ngày 20 tháng Mười Một, 2008 cho cuộc bầu cử Thuế Hoàn Trả với mục đích: Chấp thuận mức thuế giá trị hàng hóa ở mức $1.34 cho mỗi $100 định giá trong Khu Học Chánh Độc Lập Alief cho năm nay, một mức thuế khoảng $ cao hơn cho mỗi $100 định giá hàng hóa so với mức thuế hoàn trả của Khu Học Chánh." Thủ tục đích thân bỏ phiếu sớm sẽ diễn ra mỗi ngày trong tuần tại Địa Điểm Bỏ Phiếu Sớm chính được đặt tại: TÒA NHÀ HÀNH CHÍNH KHU HỌC CHÁNH ĐỘC LẬP ALIEF 4250 Cook Rd., Alief ISD 4250 Cook Rd. 3, 4, 5, 6, & 10,11,12 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 13,17 tháng Mười Một Alief ISD 4250 Cook Rd. 7, 14 tháng Mười Một 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. THỦ TỤC BỎ PHIẾU SỚM CŨNG SẼ ĐƯỢC TỔ CHỨC TẠI CÁC ĐỊA ĐIỂM CHI NHÁNH SAU ĐÂY: Elsik High School High Star 7 tháng Mười một, :00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Holmquist Elementary Westpark Dr. 7 tháng Mười một, :00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. O Donnell Middle School Alief Clodine Rd. 13 tháng Mười một, :00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Alief Taylor High School 7555 Howell Sugar Land Rd. 15 tháng Mười một, :00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Đơn xin các lá phiếu bầu qua thư có thể được gửi đến cho: Becky Hinojosa, Phụ tá thư ký phụ trách bỏ phiếu sớm 4250 Cook Rd Houston, Texas Đơn xin các lá phiếu bầu qua thư phải được nhận không quá giờ đóng cửa ngày 13 tháng Mười Một, 2008.

11 Early Voting for North, South and West at: 4250 Cook Road, Houston, TX Votación anticipada en el norte, sur y oeste en: 4250 Cook Road, Houston, TX Boû phieáu sôùm cho vuøng phía Baéc, phía Nam, vaø phía Taây ôû: 4250 Cook Road, Houston, TX NORTH: 0487, 0507, 0508, 0559, 0566, 0620, 0781, 0807 On Election Day Votes at: 4250 Cook Road, Houston, TX NORTE: 0487, 0507, 0508, 0559, 0566, 0620, 0781, 0807 El día de la elección vota en: 4250 Cook Road, Houston, TX Phía Baéc: 0487, 0507, 0508, 0559, 0566, 0620, 0781, 0807 Vaøo ngaøy Baàu Cöû boû phieáu taïi: 4250 Cook Road, Houston, TX WEST: 0096, 0338, 0428, 0524, 0558, 0600, 0646, 0647, 0765, 0772, 0773, 0814 On Election Day Votes at: O Donnell Middle School, Alief Clodine Road OESTE: 0096, 0338, 0428, 0524, 0558, 0600, 0646, 0647, 0765, 0772, 0773, 0814 El día de la elección vota en: O Donnell Middle School, Alief Clodine Road Phía Taây: 0096, 0338, 0428, 0524, 0558, 0600, 0646, 0647, 0765, 0772, 0773, 0814 Vaøo ngaøy Baàu Cöû boû phieáu taïi: O Donnell Middle School, Alief Clodine Road Election Precinct Map Alief ISD Election Precincts 2008 (must live in Alief ISD borders as marked by heavy black line) Precintos electorales de ALIEF ISD para 2008 (debe residir dentro de los límites de Alief ISD línea negro oscuro) Caùc Phaân Khu Baàu Cöû ALIEF ISD naêm 2008 (phaûi cö nguï trong ranh giôùi Alief ISD ñöôøng maøu ñen ñaäm) SOUTH: 0311, 0359, 0425, 0427, 0429, 0462, 0488, 0503, 0556, 0557, 0565, 0627, 0649 On Election Day Votes at: Olle Middle School, 9200 Boone Road SUR: 0311, 0359, 0425, 0427, 0429, 0462, 0488, 0503, 0556, 0557, 0565, 0627, 0649 El día de la elección vota en: Olle Middle School, 9200 Boone Road Phía Nam: 0311,0359,0425,0427, 0429, 0462, 0488, 0503, 0556, 0557, 0565, 0627, 0649 Vaøo ngaøy Baàu Cöû boû phieáu taïi: Olle Middle School, 9200 Boone Road 11

12 Alief business student finishes first in nation Kerr High School s Khoi Trinh won 1 st place in Business Calculations at the National Future Business Leaders of America competition held in Atlanta, Georgia this summer. In addition to Trinh s win, Amir Nik-Ahd was a Future Business Leader finalist, and Kerr High School obtained the title of Gold Seal Chapter recognizing them as an outstanding high school. Nine Kerr students attended the FBLA national competition with their instructor, business teacher Doris Ivy-Curry. The students had to place 1 st or 2 nd in various FBLA state contests to gain the opportunity to advance to national competition. Ivy-Curry said, All the students worked very hard preparing for the contest. I am so proud of their accomplishments. She added, Trinh s hard work truly paid off. He has always been an outstanding student and shows such composure when under pressure. To perform business calculations well a student must acquire a high level of mathematical skill to solve business problems that would challenge prospective business employees. The competitive event provides recognition for FBLA members who demonstrate an understanding of mathematical functions in business applications. A one hour exam is given to test students competencies that include price mark-ups and discounts, investments, insurance, payroll, consumer credit, and several others. Alief Science students attend life science symposium Nearly 50 Alief ISD seniors were invited to participate in the 2008 Houston Community College s Chancellor s Symposium on Life Sciences. The symposium, held in partnership with BioHouston, provides an opportunity for selected Alief high school students to learn about the various academic and professional career paths in the very broad life science areas. Many organizations had booths at the event. The business representatives from NASA-Johnson Space Center Life Sciences Division, Smalley Institute for Nanoscience and Technology, Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology all visited with participants. Baylor College of Medicine, the US Department of Agriculture, University of Houston and HCC life science and related programs also shared information with symposium participants. The keynote speaker for the symposium was Dr. Malcolm Gillis, former president of Rice University and Chair of BioHouston. This exciting program offers students a great opportunity to spotlight education in Alief. A portion of proceeds from the event helps fund student scholarships. Alief Kerr Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) pictured at the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA. Bottom Row (L-R): Sonny Nguyen, Khoi Trinh, Jonathan Lee, and Amir Nik-Ahd. Top Row (L-R): Helen Ramirez, Nadia Agha, Thuan Nguyen, Ledor Ndolo, and Oliver Lee. LaPrecious Polk Local Taylor dance team members invited to Hawaii Desiree Holloway 12 Marching to a different tune Elsik drum major Nancy Castellon led the Mighty Ram Marching Band to a winning performance during the annual Elsik-Hastings football classic at Crump Stadium. Not to be out-done, the Hastings Big Bear Band, with Willie Martin on the xylophone, took the field next in their new uniforms and entertained the home crowd with their outstanding showmanship. photos by Susan Castro Two Alief Taylor High School Crimson Cadette Drill Team members, LaPrecious Polk and Desiree Holloway, have been accepted into the HTE Academy of Dance. HTE is a prestigious dance company that travels all over the state of Texas holding drill team camps, contests, and presenting choreography for various dance teams and organizations. Polk and Holloway were both selected out of hundreds of girls at Military Officer Camp this past June. These young ladies have been invited to travel to Hawaii with other HTE members to spend five days traveling around Honolulu visiting various places of interest, including Pearl Harbor. Polk began her career with the Crimson Cadettes as a training girl in She worked her way up through the ranks. During her sophomore year Polk auditioned for Military Officer and was awarded the position of Lieutenant Major. As a senior she has moved into the position of Head Officer - Major. Polk hopes to attend Texas State University and major in Dance. Holloway also began her Cadette career in a training class and worked her way up to Vice President of the Executive Officers. Now, during her senior year, she holds the position of Lieutenant Major. Holloway takes has a passion for dance and friends. She hopes to continue dancing after high school. Crimson Cadette Director Mary Meadows said, We are very proud of these two amazing young ladies. They are strong, beautiful, and intelligent, with bright futures ahead of them. Crimson Cadette Asst. Director Ja Nese Jett ads, We wish them the best on their Hawaii endeavors and we only wish we could go with them! Both Polk and Holloway s mothers work for Alief ISD. Ms. Sherri Polk is an Assistant Principal at Outley Elementary and Ms. Gwendolyn Jones is a Math Specialist at Boone Elementary.

13 Professional football rookies rock the gym at Youngblood Recently several Houston Texan rookie players brought some mighty energy into Youngblood Intermediate. Throughout the National Football League rookies are encouraged to share some of their time and give back through community service. As part of a program sponsored by the United Way and the Houston Texans, the players worked out side by side with students using a United Way fitness program called HOPSports. More than 60 students, who participate in the school s after school program, jumped rope, jogged in place, dribbled basketballs and balanced their way into the hearts of these gentle giants. Giving back to the community Dallas Cowboy Martellus Bennett may be making a name for himself in the NFL, but he certainly has not forgotten where he got his start. The Taylor High School graduate recently returned to Alief to pay a visit to his alma mater and brought 8000 pounds of non-perishable food with him! His mother, Penny Bennett, a teacher at Holub Middle School, said her son wanted to give back to the school district and community that had given so much to him. Despite the pouring down rain, Mrs. Bennett, accompanied by several of her co-workers and parent volunteers, handed out bags of food to parents who participate in the Alief ISD Parental Involvement program. They were assisted by the Taylor football team and cheerleaders. Bennett was selected in the second round of the NFL draft this year and now plays tight end for the Cowboys. He has started his own foundation, Martellus Bennett Truly Blessed, and hopes to do more outreach projects for Alief in the future. photos by Susan Castro After the fun-filled activities every child was able to visit with the Texans. They shook their hands and asked the players questions about their backgrounds, what it is like to play in the NFL, and who their role models were growing up. According to principal Pam Bruner, The HOPSports program has truly been a success. Our students are learning healthy habits, gaining self-confidence and developing new skills every day. Joining the pro football players for this event were members of the Youngblood staff, and members of the Houston s Young Leaders group who are businessmen and women who volunteer during community special events. Photos by Susan Castro 13

14 Superintendent s Student Advisory Council Elsik HS Brian Meza Tanisha Mausehund Garbrielle Spurlock Khai Pham Rosa Zapeta Hastings HS Kinjal Shah Jennifer Nguyen Josh Izuegbu Isabel Lozano Jose Damian Kerr HS Canright, Ashley Erfan, Justin Hernandez, Yelesina McGilber, Aira Sagrado, Neil Taylor HS Aaron Bell Natalie Dunn Kaleigh Coleman Whitney Grant Rayan Jouran Alief teacher honored by area Wal-Mart Landis Elementary 3 rd grade teacher Natasha Davis has been selected as the Beltway 8 area Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. Teachers are nominated at Wal-Mart locations and an awards-board selects a winner each year. According to Wal-Mart representatives they received hundreds of nominations for area teachers and Davis received several nominations by several of her students and former-students. Davis said, I am so excited and to receive this honor. It makes it even more special that nominations come from children I have taught. I truly love what I do for a living and this is a real bonus. As the area winner Davis was awarded a $100 Wal-Mart gift card and Landis Elementary received a $1,000 check in Davis honor. Free immunizations for children November 19 The Care Van will be giving free immunizations on Wednesday, November 19 including childhood preventable diseases. The shots are available for infants to 18 year olds. The Care Van will be at The House of Amos located at 8030 Boone Road between Beechnut and Bellaire Blvd. Hours of operation for immunizations are from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The House of Amos telephone number is: Remember that to receive the immunizations a parent or guardian must be with the child and they must bring the child s shot record or a letter from an Alief ISD school nurse. 14 Recognizing Landis 3 rd grade teacher Natasha Davis for being named the area Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year are assistantprincipals Tangela Hughes-Beston, and Aronda Green, (Davis in the striped shirt), Landis principal Chris Pichon and two Wal- Mart representatives. Kerr Fine Arts Department performing in special programs The Kerr High School Fine Arts Department has combined forces to present a program for the men and women in military uniform. Dramatization and music will be combined in an evening of patriotic and uplifting tributes to our past and present troops. Come celebrate the lives and sacrifices of our soldiers. Admission is free for the Veteran s Day Concert on Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Taylor High School Auditorium. Concessions, face painting and exhibits will be set up from 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and the fine arts program will be from 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. The Varsity Choir at Kerr has been invited by Dr. Betsy Weber, of the University of Houston s School of Music, to perform in an invitational concert at the Moore Opera House Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. The Kerr Choir is one of only eight top choral programs from the Houston area were invited to perform. The concert is free and at the opera house is on the University of Houston s Main Campus. September Scholar Athletes Leticia Vasquez of Hastings High School is a senior with a 3.4 grade point average. She is a member of the Hastings soccer team and cross country team. Vasquez s coach describes her as one the hardest working athletes she s had in her program in several years. Brian Meza of Elsik High School is a senior and has been an Elsik football player for three years. This is his fourth year on the soccer team. Last year he was the varsity kicker on the state playoff team. He has a 4 point grade average and is ranked in the top 5% of his senior class. In addition to athletics, he is a member of the student council and the school leadership team. Scholar Athletes Leticia Vasquez and Brian Meza are presented with Athletic Director Marvin Sedberry at Crump Stadium.

15 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 1 Alexander Elementary School 8500 Brookwulf, Phone: Melissa Scott, Principal ALIEF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CAMPUSES (all street addresses below are in Houston, Texas) 2 Best Elementary School Centre Parkway, Phone: Lorena Augustus, Principal 3 Boone Elementary School Bissonnet, Phone: Angela Chapman, Principal Alief-Clodine 23 4 Bush Elementary School 9730 Stroud, Phone: Gloria Price, Principal 5 Chambers Elementary School Carvel, Phone: Jannae Jernberg, Principal Winkleman 20 B J G C D H I 24 E F 41 Clarewood 61 Continental Chancellor Elementary School 4350 Boone Road, Phone: Lisa Saarie, Principal 7 Collins Elementary School 9829 Town Park Drive, Phone: Paul Baez, Principal 8 Cummings Elementary School South Kirkwood, Phone: Kathy Navel, Principal 9 Hearne Elementary School Rio Bonito, Phone: Bert Bilton, Principal 10 Heflin Elementary School 3303 Synott Road, Phone: Robin Human, Principal 11 Hicks Elementary School 8520 Hemlock Hill Drive, Phone: Mary Kesler, Principal 12 Holmquist Elementary School Westpark Drive, Phone: Nancy Lewin, Principal 13 Horn Elementary School Bissonnet, Phone: Kathy Jahn, Principal 14 Kennedy Elementary School Huntington Place Drive Phone: Cindy Rouse, Principal 15 Landis Elementary School Spice Lane, Phone: Chris Pichon, Principal 16 Liestman Elementary School 7610 Synott Road, Phone: Ava Montgomery, Principal 17 Mahanay Elementary School High Star, Phone: Jo Nell Keller, Principal 18 Martin Elementary School Hendon, Phone: Sandy Taylor, Principal 19 Outley Elementary School Richmond, Phone: Pam Pecheux, Principal 20 Petrosky Elementary School 6703 Winkleman, Phone: Bernadette Bentley, Principal 21 Rees Elementary School Kensley Drive, Phone: Kim Winans, Principal 22 Smith Elementary School Stancliff, Phone: Mary Ann Bronson, Principal 23 Sneed Elementary School 9855 Pagewood Lane, Phone: Jan Garrett, Principal 24 Youens Elementary School High Star, Phone: Nancy Trent, Principal INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS 30 Budewig Intermediate School Richmond, Phone: Rosalind Burroughs, Principal 31 Klentzman Intermediate School Stancliff, Phone: Sonya Vaden, Principal 32 Mata Intermediate School 9225 South Dairy Ashford, Phone: Janet Spurlock, Principal 33 Miller Intermediate School Westpark, Phone: Janine Hoke, Principal 34 Owens Intermediate School 6900 Turtlewood Drive, Phone: Andy Velasquez, Principal 35 Youngblood Intermediate School 8410 Dairy View Lane, Phone: Pam Bruner, Principal MIDDLE SCHOOLS 40 Albright Middle School 6315 Winkleman, Phone: Patrick Cherry, Principal FT. BEND COUNTY LINE 41 Alief Middle School 4415 Cook Road, Phone: Vinson Lewis, Principal Huntington Place Dr 42 Holub Middle School 9515 South Dairy Ashford, Phone: Pat Brown, Principal 43 Killough Middle School 7600 Synott Road, Phone: Luis Olivas, Principal 44 O Donnell Middle School Alief Clodine, Phone: Janie Saxton, Principal 45 Olle Middle School 9200 Boone Road, Phone: Cassandra Dyson, Principal HIGH SCHOOLS 50 Elsik High School High Star, Phone: , ext Hilda Rodriguez, Principal 51 Elsik Ninth Grade Center 6767 South Dairy Ashford, Phone: Greg Freeman, Principal 52 Hastings High School 4410 Cook Road, Phone: , ext Jennifer Parker, Principal 53 Hastings Ninth Grade Center 6750 Cook Road, Phone: Dr. Jackie Armwood, Principal 54 Kerr High School 8150 Howell Sugar Land Road, Phone: Raymond Lowery, Principal Bissonnet Leawood Stancliff W. Bellfort SW FWY 55 High School Annex Located between Hastings & Elsik High Schools on High Star HWY Taylor High School 7555 Howell Sugar Land Road, Phone: Dr. Walter Jackson, Principal ALIEF LEARNING CENTER 60 Alief Learning Center 4427 Belle Park, Phone: Pauline Beckley, Principal 61 Crossroads ISC Bear/Ram Road Tremayne Wickliffe, Principal SUPPORT FACILITIES A Administration Building High Star, B Alief Support Facility/Tax Office Bellaire Blvd., C Crump Stadium & Athletic Facilities High Star, D Instructional Support Services Bear/Ram Road (between Cook & Dairy Ashford) E Maintenance Dept High Star, F MIS/Police Dept ½ High Star, G Ness Natatorium High Star, H Printing Services/Warehouse th Street, I Purchasing High Star, J Transportation 6150 Synott,

16 AUGUST 2008 SEPTEMBER Alief Independent School District Calendar OCTOBER NOVEMBER STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS/ TEACHER PLANNING DAYS August 19, 20, 21, 22, 2008 June 5, DECEMBER 2008 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH HOLIDAYS Staff Development Day or Staff Workday August 19 22, 2008 Labor Day September 1, 2008 Thanksgiving Holidays November 24 28, 2008 Winter Break December 22, 2008 January 2, 2009 MLK Holiday January 19, 2009 Spring Break March 16 20, 2009 Holiday April 10, 2009 Memorial Day May 25, 2009 Staff Development Day or Staff Workday June 5, FIRST DAY OF INSTRUCTION August 25, 2008 LAST DAY OF INSTRUCTION June 4, 2009 APRIL MAY JUNE JULY GRADING PERIODS August 25 October 24 October 27 January 16 January 20 March 27 March 30 June 4 Total Days: 37 days 45 days 44 days 47 days 173 days LEGEND First/Last Day Begin/End Grading Period Student Holiday/Staff Development Day or Staff Workday Student/Staff Holiday This is a publication of the Alief ISD Communications & Public Relations Department ( , ext. 2240) under the direction of Assistant Superintendent Paula Smith. The Communicator is written/edited by Holly Kurth, Public Relations/Publications Specialist and Susan Castro, Communications/Media Relations Coordinator, and designed by Andrew Duong, Communications Designer. For cost efficiency, a mailing service distributes the newsletter according to mail routes; it is possible that some households outside of district boundaries may receive it. BOARD OF TRUSTEES 16 Sarah B. Winkler President Nghi T. Ho Vice President Dr. John P. Hansen Secretary Rick Moreno Assistant Secretary Gary L. Cook Member Charlie Cothran Member Ann Williams Member Dr. Louis Stoerner Superintendent Board meetings are scheduled the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Alief ISD Administration Building, High Star at Cook Road. All meetings are open to the public. Independent School District P.O. Box 68 Alief, Texas Alief ISD, in collaboration with parents and community, will provide an exemplary education for all students in a safe environment. Nonprofit U.S. POSTAGE PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 3405