Date |
Headline |
Description |
File |
URL |
2/3/2012 |
CHS socccer players Self, Villa sign national letters of intent |
Canyon High soccer players Trevor Self (left) and Pedro Villa signed national letters of intent on February 3 to play at the collegiate level. Self will play at the University of Texas-Tyler, and Villa will play at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee. Self is surrounded by his parents, Scott and Sandra, and behind Villa are his proud parents Maria and Pedro Villa Sr. Also pictured is Canyon High head soccer coach Rob Rush. |
|
|
2/3/2012 |
Canyon High's Luckemeyer signs with Our Lady of the Lake University |
Canyon High senior Teegan Luckemeyer signed a national letter of intent on February 3 to continue her soccer career at Our Lady of the Lake University. Teegan is surrounded by (l-r) Our Lady of the Lake University assistant coach Lee Williams, her parents Paul and Sherri and brother Trevor, and Canyon High head coach Dustin Gold. |
|
|
2/2/2002 |
Lathrop is first SVHS student in 10 years to be named to All-State Band |
Smithson Valley Senior Taylor Lathrop was recently selected to the 2012 Texas Music Educators Association 4A All State Band on Bass Trombone, achieving first chair in the state through a rigorous personal audition process.
Lathrop is the first student from Smithson Valley High School to make the All-State Band in 10 years.
“It is a true honor for Taylor,” said Jeff Lightsey, SVHS Band Director. “The selection exemplifies his talent, hard work and dedication.”
Lathrop is also a National Merit Semifinalist, and a member of the Smithson Valley National Honor Society.
Lathrop will now head to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention at the San Antonio Convention Center, where he will rehearse with other students from around the state directed by nationally recognized conductors for several days in preparation for a concert on Feb. 11.
“I was surprised and very excited when I heard the news,” Lathrop said. “I hope it’s a reflection not only on myself but on the SVHS band as well.”
With the Ranger Band, Lathrop serves as Trombone Section Leader and is a three-year member of the Wind Ensemble. He is the son of Leigh and Cathy Lathrop of San Antonio. Upon graduation, Lathrop will be attending Baylor University and hopes to play in the marching band.
|
|
|
2/2/2002 |
SVHS, CHS move up to Class 5A, CLHS stays Class 3A after UIL realignment |
Both Smithson Valley and Canyon High schools moved up from Class 4A to Class 5A in the University Interscholastic League realignment announced on February 2.
Canyon Lake High stayed in Class 3A, and is in District 27-3A and Region IV, along with familiar foes Bandera, Boerne, Fredericksburg, Navarro and Wimberley.
Smithson Valley and Canyon are now in District 25-5A, which is also in Region IV, along with New Braunfels High, Converse Judson, San Antonio Wagner and San Marcos.
The cutoff for the Class 4A-Class 5A level was 2,090 students. Canyon turned in 2,101 students when the UIL took enrollment figures last October.
“I think the biggest thing that surprised me was that the district Canyon and Smithson Valley is in was only six teams,” said Comal ISD athletic director Jim Rodrigue. “I thought Steele might be in our district too. There will be a good football team that misses the playoffs because the competition in 25-5A will be so tough. The competition level will be tough across the board in just about every sport.”
Rodrigue said Canyon, Canyon Lake and Smithson Valley high schools have tentatively set their non-district football schedules.
Canyon will play Killeen, five-time defending state champion and fellow new Class 5A member Lake Travis, San Antonio Roosevelt, Austin LBJ, and San Antonio Southwest.
Canyon Lake will play Blanco, Somerset, LaVernia, Burnet, and LaGrange.
Smithson Valley will play San Antonio Brandeis, Laredo United, Mexico’s Monterrey Tech and Corpus Christi King.
The district realignments will begin when the 2012-13 school year starts and will last until the 2013-14 school year ends.
IN PHOTO: Smithson Valley running back Lawrence Mattison, who was the district’s offensive MVP in 2011, and his Rangers teammates will move up to Class 5A beginning in the 2012-13 school year. Canyon High also moved up to Class 5A, and Canyon Lake High stayed at the Class 3A level. (Photo courtesy of Sam Roberts Photography)
|
|
|
2/1/2010 |
Eight SVHS football, soccer players ink names on National Signing Day |
The Smithson Valley High football team, which won a district title in 2011 and made it to the area round of the playoffs, had six players sign national letters of intent on February 1 to continue their playing careers at the next level. Pictured are (l-r) wide receiver Easton McIntosh (McMurry University), strong safety Ryan Griffith (Colorado School of Mines), cornerback Aaron Potter (University of the Incarnate Word), quarterback Parker McKenzie (Abilene Christian University), punter Ethan Perry (Texas Christian University), and offensive lineman Nolan Nasis (McMurry University). In addition, the highly-successful Smithson Valley girls soccer team, which went undefeated in district play in 2011 and advanced to the Class 4A regional quarterfinals, had two players sign: All-State goalkeeper Sarah Gardner (University of Arkansas) and All-District defender CoCo Flores (Goldey-Beacom College). |
|
|
1/30/2012 |
News Briefs for Jan. 30, 2012 |
News Briefs for this week include: 'Empowering Children with Safe and Smart Lifestyles;' Student transfer application deadline is March 1; School board filing runs through March 5; Parent information night for AC-Memorial Early College High School; and Outstanding Graduate nominations sought. |
|
|
1/27/2012 |
Comal ISD trustees approve 2012-13 calendar |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Thursday unanimously approved an academic calendar for 2012-13 that includes a start date of Aug. 27 and the last day of school to be May 31. |
|
|
1/26/2012 |
Kinder Ranch Elementary students experience “Moon, Mars and Beyond” videoconference |
Fourth-grade students in Kim Loner’s classroom recently found out what it was like to plan a rescue mission for astronauts aboard a lost spacecraft during the emission videoconference “Moon, Mars and Beyond.”
The year is 2080 and NASA has permanent research bases on both the moon and Mars. From these bases, astronaut scientists study stars and planets and continue to search for possible life outside Earth.
A Flight Director informs the students that NASA needs their help with a possible emergency situation with a lost space ship, the Distant Discovery. It is traveling to the outer planets and the ship loses its navigation system. Astronauts are unable to steer their ship and their communications systems are weak so Earth Mission Control receives only pieces of information about its location.
As scientists in the Mars Mission Control, NASA needs the students to prepare for the arrival of a rescue-mission space ship launching from the lunar base. The rescue ship has to stop at the Mars base to pick up the supplies needed for the rescue of the astronauts and for the trip back to Mars.
The students had a lot to do before the rescue ship arrived at the Mars station. They were divided into teams to work more effectively on the rescue. The teams were based on the five planets in our outer solar system, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, with an additional team working to communicate the results of the teamwork directly to Earth Mission Control.
Students downloaded data from their team computers and began calculations, decoding of messages, and plotting coordinates before relaying that information to Mission Control.
The Flight Director called for all Navigation and Transmissions Specialists to come up to the front of the room for a final discussion of the exact location of the Distant Discovery.
The students watched as the rescue ship launched from Mars on its way to the lost astronauts. They watched as the ship docked with the Distant Discovery, the hatch opened, and the lost astronauts joined the astronauts of the rescue ship.
The mission concluded with big congratulations to the students from the Flight Director and a video of the astronauts on the Distant Discovery.
“This was an excellent experience for our students,” Loner said. “To get to interact via videoconference on a project like this was a great learning opportunity.” Pictured are Kinder Ranch Elementary students Alex McArthur, relaying information to NASA’s Mission Control, and Peri Olson, calculating data that ultimately helped save the lost astronauts in the videoconference “Moon, Mars and Beyond.”
|
|
|
1/26/2012 |
Kindergarten students have fun shooting hoops in game at KRES |
Kindergarten student Karlyn Jackson shows perfect shooting form as she goes for a basket during a “make-it, take-it” team game during Kinder Ranch Elementary School P.E. Teacher Melinda Rios’ class. |
|
|
1/24/2012 |
Algebra Bowl will combine math and technology worlds in unique competition |
The NCAA college basketball world will soon have its annual frenzied tournament better known as March Madness.
Shortly afterward, Comal ISD will create some brain-testing excitement of its own. The district’s tournament-style format could easily be dubbed “April Mathness.”
Comal ISD’s first Algebra Bowl will take place beginning April 2, and will conclude April 13.
Teams of 10 students from each of the district’s five middle schools, and from Canyon, Canyon Lake, Smithson Valley and Alamo Colleges Early College high schools will compete in a bracket-style tournament. There will be both a middle and high school competition.
Most schools will have more than one 10-student team competing in the event. Only students currently in Algebra I classes will be eligible to compete. The competition was made possible through collaboration between the district’s math and technology departments.
“I just finished telling one of my classes and they are so excited,” said Smithson Valley Middle algebra teacher Denise Brown. “We’re really competitive as a school, and I’m excited they expect to win the championship.”
Brown added she also likes the fact the Algebra Bowl might be an opportunity for a few students to show their stuff on an academic playing field.
“This won’t be an athletic competition or a popularity contest,” Brown said. “This might be a good chance for that student who sits in the back of the classroom quietly who may be a genius in algebra to shine.”
Jarrett Cochran, technology department project manager, and Matthew Hattoon, campus instructional facilitator, will share the Algebra Bowl’s Alex Trebek role. Cochran and Hattoon will be located in the district’s technology green room at the district’s Support Services building and will link up with each campus competing through videoconference to moderate the competition.
During three separate 10-minute rounds, teams will be handed an envelope full of algebra questions. They have to come to a consensus on as many of the questions as they can answer during the allotted time, before handing in one answer sheet.
Questions answered correctly in Round 1 are worth one point, Round 2 is worth two points, and Round 3 is worth three points per correct answer. The questions will get progressively more difficult with each round.
“I think this is a great idea, especially for the kids who might not be challenged enough,” said Canyon High algebra teacher Diane Wiser. “It will give them a chance to show what they can do. I also think the fact we’ll be competing against the other high schools in our district will make it very exciting for our students.”
Just like the NCAA college basketball tournament, teams that win will advance until two reach the finals. The middle school division finals will be held on April 5, and the high school division finals will take place April 13.
Both the middle and high school finals will be streamed live for parents, community members and classmates to watch. There will be a link on the district’s Internet home page, www.comalisd.org, which will take you to the finals competition. Both finals will take place from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
“We’re very excited because this is an academic competition we’ve brought to our students complete with medals and trophies for the winners,” said Danielle Frei, district instructional math specialist. “We’ve created both a middle school and high school trophy for the winning school to display.”
Comal ISD math coordinator Joanna Henry said she hopes this becomes a recurring district event.
“We want this to become an annual event where the students that have the trophy are proud of it,” Henry said. “We want the other students around the district to work hard to try and earn the trophy during next year’s competition.”
Pictured are Smithson Valley High students Gabby Ramirez and Mayra Camarillo trying to solve algebra problems in teacher Julie Henry's classroom.
|
|
|
1/23/2011 |
CHS Intermediate Choir Camp held Jan. 21; barbershop-quartet festival planned for Jan. 28 at CHS |
The Canyon High Choir Department held its third-annual Intermediate Choir Camp Jan. 21 at the school’s Performing Arts Center.
More than 30 4th and 5th grade students from Canyon High feeder schools participated in the camp. The camp was directed by CHS Choral Director, Shareen Vader, and assisted by CHS Choir students.
The students concluded the four-hour camp with a short performance of several songs they learned.
In addition, the CHS Choir Department will be hosting “Youth in Harmony,” a barbershop-quartet themed festival for both girls and boys in local choir classes, Saturday, Jan. 28 at the CHS PAC from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival will involve students from Canyon, Canyon Lake, Smithson Valley, New Braunfels and Seguin high schools, as well as several high schools from the San Antonio area. It is free for the public to attend.
Professional barbershop quartets as well as Sweet Adelines, a worldwide organization of women singers committed to advancing the musical art form of barbershop harmony through education and performances, will be instructing the students. The festival will conclude with a performance of both students and professional musicians, which is scheduled to begin at 4.p.m
|
|
|
1/23/2011 |
SVHS Culinary Arts Students fare well at South Texas Challenge |
Several Smithson Valley High Culinary Arts students participated in the first-ever South Texas Culinary Challenge at Clemens High School Jan. 21.
SVHS students Caitlin Spring and Colton Harrison teamed up to finish in 2nd place out of 19 teams in the Mystery Basket Competition.
Mystery Basket is similar to Iron Chef. Students are not given recipes, and must create a protein, starch and vegetable dish from a pantry table.
In addition, SVHS student Kelsey Hasbrook entered the Baking and Pastry Challenge and won 2nd place with her pecan pie and 5th place with her chocolate chip cookies. Wendy McCuiston is the SVHS Culinary Arts teacher.
The SVHS students who participated in the South Texas Culinary Challenge were Hasbrook, Spring, Harrison, Darius Kipp, Christopher Flores, Justin Miller and John Rosales. Pictured is Hasbrook standing beside one of her award-winning entries.
|
|
|
1/23/2012 |
News Briefs for Jan. 23, 2012 |
News Briefs for this week include: Online safety the topic of several parent nights; events mark Education Foundation's spring; Community Ed classes available now!; Canyon Lake HS hosts FASFA night; Seeking 'emPOWERED UP' logos for tech showcase; and Outstanding Graduate nominations sought. |
|
|
1/20/2012 |
Class and Commitment Day a hit at Morningside Elementary |
Students at Morningside Elementary had “Class and Commitment Recognition” day on Jan. 20. The gym was jam-packed with students playing volleyball, Wii, tetherball and basketball.
Students earned a ticket for the fun-filled day by meeting the following criteria during the past nine-week period: having no disciplinary referrals, being tardy no more than five times, having no more than four unexcused absences and having all their work turned in on time.
Pictured is first grader Luke Luna in full concentration mode as he gets ready to unleash a wicked serve playing Grand Slam Tennis on the Wii, and fellow first grader Travis Parma spiking the ball across the volleyball net.
|
|
|
1/20/2012 |
Students tackle nature-themed art project at Goodwin Frazier Elementary |
Third-grade students in Edyta Ellison’s art classes at Goodwin Frazier Elementary have been busy recently working on a project where they camouflaged an animal of their choice. The background camouflage and the animal were created using oil pastels and clear glue. Pictured is William Nichols drawing a turtle destined to live in a desert background.
|
|
|
1/19/2012 |
Ugandan Children's Choir performs at Specht Elementary |
A group of 22 children, aged 7 to 12, from the Watoto community of Uganda performed native song and dance for all students of Specht Elementary School on Thursday. Each of the children has lost a parent or both to war or sickness in Uganda. They will be in the United States for six months sharing the upbeat music and dance from their Watoto community. |
|
|
1/18/2012 |
Comal ISD transportation department opens new station at SVMS; district looking for new drivers |
The Comal ISD transportation department held an open house on Jan. 17, unveiling its new 19,000 square-foot station located at Smithson Valley Middle School.
The station, which was paid for with funding from Bond 2008, has the capacity to house close to 100 buses and includes an eight-bay bus Maintenance facility.
It will host the routing and dispatching staff for the entire district and has a lounge area for Comal ISD bus drivers.
Comal ISD is always looking for new bus drivers. The district offers free paid Commercial Driver’s License training and a full-time benefits package. Starting wage is $13 per hour. If interested, please call 830-885-9800 or apply online at www.comalisd.org.
Pictured are transportation department employees (l-r) Brian Gibson, Area Supervisor, Christina Masterson, Area Supervisor, Stephanie Cichon, Dispatcher, Pamela White, Routing Specialist, Gus Rodriguez, Director of Transportation, Lisa Acosta, Senior Associate, Sherri McCrummen, Field Trip Specialist, and Cheryl Fite, Routing Specialist, during the open house festivities.
|
|
|
1/16/2012 |
Community Awareness Summits held across Comal ISD |
Community and Comal ISD staff input was a critical component of the information gathering process at the strategic planning community awareness summits held across the district in January. Pictured are Comal ISD faculty and community members at the Spring Branch Middle School Summit held January 17.
|
|
|
1/16/2012 |
News Briefs for Jan. 16, 2012 |
News Briefs for this week include: High school credit by exam registration opens; Seeking emPowered Up logos for tech showcase; Early childhood screening slated for Feb. 23; and Outstanding Graduation nominations sought. |
|
|
1/12/2012 |
CHS student Tyler Neufer makes All-State Band for second straight year |
To be selected to the All-State Band once in your high school career is quite an accomplishment. To be picked twice is an amazing feat.
That’s exactly what Canyon High junior Tyler Neufer has achieved.
Neufer, who has career aspirations of playing his French horn in a professional orchestra, said making All-State a second time was a bigger challenge than when he was named for the first time in 2011.
“I think it’s a lot more difficult because you know just how tough the competition is at that level,” Neufer said. “There were plenty of times this season when I was practicing when I had doubts if I’d make it again.”
More than 100,000 students began auditioning at the district level and after regional and area rounds, fewer than 1,000 advanced to the state level.
“These All-State students are in the top one percent statewide each year,” said Jason Adam, CHS band director. “To make it twice puts you in a much more elite class.”
Neufer learned he made the All-State Band again after auditioning at the area level at the University of Texas-Austin in early January.
Neufer will now head to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Convention at the San Antonio Convention Center, where he will rehearse with other students from around the state directed by nationally recognized conductors for several days in preparation for a concert on Feb. 11.
“All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive,” said Robert Floyd, TMEA Executive Director.
Julia Lewis, who graduated last year and is currently a music major at Baylor University, is the only Canyon High student to ever be named to the All-State Band three times.
“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Tyler makes it again next year,” Adam said. “What drives him is excellence. That’s what the All-State Band is all about.”
|
|
|
1/12/2012 |
SVHS students investing in global citizenship with Kiva Project |
Smithson Valley High School students in Stacie Mitchell’s World Geography classes have learned more than the locations of foreign countries and facts about exotic cultures, they are learning how small investments can reap big rewards.
Mitchell knew that she wanted her students to go beyond data, maps, and facts and make a personal connection with people and places around the globe. So she challenged students to make a difference.
That difference came in the form of the non-profit micro-financing organization Kiva. Kiva began as a grassroots organization in 2005. It is an online lending platform that allows individuals in the developed world to loan to start-up business people in the developing world.
Kiva provides a platform for individuals and groups to lend as little as $25 to a specific low-income entrepreneur in 55 different countries around the globe. Kiva hosts a high school chapter made up of a national network of high school students, unified by a belief that “poverty can be alleviated and that microfinance is an effective tool to achieve this end.”
To organize the investment process, and inspire awareness of global issues campus wide, Smithson Valley High students led the creation of the Ranger Relief Fund. The club’s purpose is to provide loans to help relieve poverty, not by a one-time donation, but by an investment in a community’s own entrepreneurial ventures. Students brought in their investment funds during each class period, culminating in a total of $175, surpassing their original goal of $150.
Students then researched potential countries in which to invest and created persuasive presentations touting the benefit of investing in their chosen country. Out of Mitchell’s 140 students that participated, 136 were freshmen.
“We have done projects before where we have researched a country, but this made it real, added something tangible, and made a personal connection to that region of the world and gave a face to the people there,” Mitchell said.
The Kiva organization describes the variety of investment opportunities as, “A loan recipient can be a baker in Afghanistan, a goat herder in Uganda, a farmer in Peru or a restaurateur in Cambodia.”
Each class at SVHS voted and decided on at least one individual from one country to receive their loan. Those countries included Paraguay, Lebanon, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Kenya, and Cameroon.
In forming their investment decision, students read an overview of each person applying for a loan in their country of choice. Information included both personal background and business need. Ventures varied from agricultural to education related, retail to manufacturing. Each class picked which person’s business venture they would support. Throughout the life of the loan, students will receive updates of the progress of the loan and the business it empowers.
“The Kiva project was fun and eye opening,” said SVHS student Hannah Eaton. “It made me realize how fortunate we are in the U.S.”
As each individual repays his or her loan, the Ranger Relief Fund will receive the initial investment back. Mitchell anticipates growing the investment base and creating a legacy on which future Rangers can build.
“Students donated this year, but I foresee next year raising funds to support this in an even bigger way and have the process go on and on for future classes of students,” Mitchell said.
The Kiva slogan, “Make a small loan, make a big difference,” holds true for the experience of many of the students in Mitchell’s classes.
“It was the first project I have done that actually meant something and would make a difference,” said student Mallory Plumb. “It made it made it more interesting.”
Fellow SVHS student Katie Jones agreed.
“The goal of many schools is to use what you are given to contribute to society,” Jones said. “In the Kiva project, we did this by bettering our knowledge of other countries and also by giving to them.”
Student Danielle Morales summed up what the Kiva project is all about.
“I think the Kiva project was tremendous because we are doing a great thing for those people who needed a little boost to start their business,” Morales said. “This will really help them with their lives.”
Mitchell said she thinks the Kiva project has been a real success.
“I wanted students to leave my class with an understanding of how to be a global citizen,” Mitchell said. “I want them to realize that one person can make a difference. I would like to see this spread across Comal ISD so we can establish a district-wide Kiva team.”
For Information on how you or your campus can get involved visit http://www.kiva.org/ or http://www.kiva.org/team/kiva_high_school
|
|
|
1/9/2011 |
Smithson Valley High theater students to perform Daisy Pulls It Off January 14-16 at school’s PAC |
Students at Smithson Valley High will be performing the comedy play Daisy Pulls It Off by Denise Deegan January 14-16.
It is a parody of wholesome adventure stories about life in a 1920s girls' English boarding school.
Energetic Daisy Meredith, a girl from a poor background, is forced to face and overcome snobbish prejudice and schoolgirl pranks from the wealthier girls. She and her best friend, zany Trixie Martin, search for the missing treasure that could save the fortunes of the exclusive Grangewood School for Young Ladies.
Along the way, Daisy overcomes false accusations, saves the lives of her nemeses and discovers that the mysterious stranger seen around the grounds is her long-lost father. The original production of the play opened in 1983 and ran for 1,180 performances.
Performances at the Smithson Valley High Performing Arts Center begin at 7 p.m. on January 14 and 16, and at 2 p.m. on January 15. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students with an ID and can be purchased at the PAC Center before each show begins.
|
|
|
1/9/2012 |
News Briefs for Jan. 9, 2012 |
News Briefs this week include: Semester exams take place this week; Community invited to attend strategic planning summits; Smithson Valley HS hosts Junior Parent College Night; Public hearing on district progress slated for Jan. 26; 'Laws You Should Know' at Canyon Lake HS; and Become a bus driver! |
|
|
1/6/2012 |
Strategic planning kicks off with community input |
The first week of school in 2012 for students meant a return to classes and for secondary students, preparation for final exams. However, for the staff and community of Comal ISD, the first week of January carried a much stronger impact: it’s the beginning of strategic planning. |
|
|
1/6/2011 |
Warren Buffett has nothing on these Canyon High students |
Canyon High student Zac Roznowski didn’t list looking at the business page of the daily newspaper anywhere near his top priorities before the school year started.
But thanks to the Stock Market Game sponsored by Fidelity Investments and the Texas Council on Economic Education, Roznowski now pays much closer attention to the likes of money-management gurus Warren Buffett, Suze Orman, and Clark Howard.
“I never took notice of what was going on in the stock market before, but I have good insight into the world of finance now,” Roznowski said. “It was fun to play the market with money I don’t actually have.”
Close to 250 Canyon High students in Bethanie DePalermo and Karen Warren’s economic classes participated in the game, where they broke up into teams that each had a mythical $100,000 to invest in the stock market between Sept. 26-Dec. 2.
DePalermo’s students won the top award in the San Antonio area by having the highest equity in their portfolios out of all the high schools that competed in the region.
On January 5, those students were presented with a plaque from the Texas Council on Economic Education. In addition, Fidelity Investments presented the Comal Education Foundation a check for $1,250.
“I was very excited for our students,” DePalermo said. “They really embraced the contest and to beat out all the other schools that participated in our region is a pretty big accomplishment.”
Students invested in oil and clothing stocks, as well as Walt Disney, and Southwest and Delta airlines.
“We thought it would be best to invest in things people might be buying over the holidays,” said CHS student Sean Tollinger. “People are also traveling a lot so we thought the airlines would be good investments.”
Fidelity representative Gary Hartman said sometimes picking good stocks can be a simple process.
“I used to have a co-worker that would take his daughter to the mall to see what she was interested in,” Hartman said. “He would find out what the trends were and more often than not his investments made money.”
Hartman added it was impressive that the Canyon High students increased their portfolios during a difficult stretch on Wall Street. The top team at CHS made a profit of just over $10,000.
“To make money in that fourth quarter was pretty amazing,” Hartman said. “Maybe we need to start going to these students for our investment advice.”
Pictured are Canyon High students (l-r) Maya Thompson, Zac Roznowski and Sean Tollinger pose with economics teacher Bethanie DePalermo after Fidelity Investments awarded the Comal Education Foundation a check for $1,250. CHS students earned the award after placing first in the San Antonio-area in the Stock Market Game sponsored by the Texas Council on Economic Education and Fidelity Investments. Also pictured is a group of DePalermo's students posing with the large Fidelity check.
|
|
|
1/3/2011 |
SVHS students save astronauts from danger |
The lives of Space Shuttle Discovery and International Space Station astronauts were put into the hands of a group of Smithson Valley High students recently.
Despite a potentially deadly solar flare, the SVHS students came through with flying colors to save the crew of both spaceships.
The reason for the student participation wasn’t because of massive budget cutbacks at NASA, but instead it was a highly interactive videoconference.
During the videoconference “Space Station Alpha” students in Misti Thueson’s AP environmental science class split into five teams that focused on communications, crisis management, the solar storm, radiation, and life support.
For nearly 90 minutes in the simulation, each team read and analyzed data that was fed straight to their laptop computers.
Members of each team then had to report to a flight director at Mission Control, who gave them a very short window of time to complete each task. With every passing minute the situation became more stressful.
The students were not only able to see Mission Control commander Lori Kudlak live, but they also witnessed Discovery blast into space and saw the inside of the International Space Station on a large screen. They then directed the astronauts where to go to escape radiation during the simulation.
Despite the fact they faced many nail-biting moments along the way, including water vapor build up and powerful doses of x-rays and protons from the solar flare that could have proved fatal, the SVHS students saved the lives of each of the men and women in space.
Pictured are campus instructional facilitator Janalyn Moos and students Charlie Cevallos, Jess Romero, Will Zopff and Louie Rosas. |
|
|
1/2/2012 |
Community encouraged to join strategic planning summits |
A series of five “summits” will kick off the district’s strategic planning process this week and parents and community members are encouraged to attend any or all of them. The summits will be at each of the district’s middle schools. The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Jan. 5, 1 p.m. Church Hill Middle School Library
Thursday, Jan. 5, 6 p.m. Canyon Middle School Cafeteria
Monday, Jan. 16, 6 p.m. Mountain Valley Middle School Cafeteria
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 1 p.m. Spring Branch Middle School Library
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m. Smithson Valley Middle School Cafeteria
|
|
|
1/2/2012 |
News Briefs for Jan. 2, 2012 |
News Briefs this week include: NOW is the time for that community ed class!; January is School Board recognition month; Arlon Seay named 'Best of Spring Branch'; Screening for gifted/talented under way; and after-school care seeks aides. |
|
|
12/16/2011 |
Comal ISD trustees OK redistricting plan |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Thursday unanimously approved the new boundaries of single-member school board districts. From here, the plan will be shipped to the U.S. Department of Justice for pre-clearance for the May 2012 elections. The school board heard an audit report for 2010-11, a technology update and an update on the state's new assessment. |
|
|
12/15/2011 |
CHS, CLHS mascots selected as finalists for competition Dec. 19 at AT&T Center |
Two Comal ISD mascots will be strutting their stuff at the AT&T Center on Dec. 19.
Canyon High’s mascot, Calvin the Cougar (junior Logan Chew), and Canyon Lake High’s mascot, Hank the Hawk (senior Caroline Jordan), have been named two of nine finalists in to compete in the first-ever San Antonio Spurs Mascot Challenge.
The Spurs will scrimmage at 7 p.m. Immediately following the scrimmage, be prepared to cheer on Calvin the Cougar and Hank the Hawk on as the well-loved mascots will begin a competition which will include a dance, an obstacle course and the performance of a school spirit skit.
Other mascot finalists include Judson High School’s Rocketman, South San High School’s Bobby the Bobcat and Taft High School’s Red Raider.
The winning mascot will receive $1,000, the opportunity to shadow the Spurs Coyote, and will earn a visit from the Coyote to their high school campus.
|
|
|
12/15/2011 |
Startzville Elementary students perform The Littlest Reindeer |
Fourth-grade students at Startzville Elementary performed the musical ““The Littlest Reindeer” in front of classmates, faculty and family members on Dec. 13.
It was Christmas and the North Pole crew was putting the final touches on
Santa’s sleigh, when who should appear but the littlest reindeer!
All the elves and the other reindeer laughed at her and told her to get out of the way, but she came to the rescue when Santa got stuck in a chimney.
The moral of the story is that everyone has a gift or talent. Theresa Haag is the music teacher at Startzville Elementary.
Pictured are (l-r) elves Lindsey Level, and Mideya Prosapio, and Santa Trey Holder as well as much of the fourth grade signing one of the many holiday songs in “The Littlest Reindeer.”
|
|
|
12/15/2011 |
SVHS Navy JROTC inspection a success |
Navy Captain Lori Frank conducted an inspection of the Smithson Valley High Navy JROTC Unit on Dec. 13.
Her purpose was to ensure that SVHS is operating in compliance with current Navy standards.
She judged the cadets on their uniform appearance, military knowledge and exhibition drill teams. She also conducted an inspection on the NJROTC unit's supply and administration records.
Her visit culminated in a one-hour session with the senior cadets discussing career options, plans for college and different leadership challenges that the Navy is facing.
Although it was an inspection, it was also an opportunity for cadets to get to know a senior Naval officer and discuss her career path. Captain Frank said she was extremely impressed with the NJROTC program at SVHS.
Pictured (back row, l-r) are Smithson Valley High Navy JROTC students Nigel Aung-Myint, Walker Hobson, Jonathon Loud, Charles Abraham, John Mecadon, Ryan Marshall, Zech Knowlton and Ben Orts. Front row: SVHS instructor Commander (Ret) Vince Quidachay, Samantha Frank, Erika Gaspar, Karen Jones, Sebastian Toro, Danielle Vizzone, Captain Lori Frank, Henry Gonzales, Ryan Conaghan, Katy Haack and SVHS instructor Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Chester Martinez.
|
|
|
12/14/2011 |
Smithson Valley Middle students proud of school's Angel Tree effort |
Smithson Valley Middle students Tyler Faughnder, Devin Smith, Dawson Martinez, Dillan Bonick, Hyuahda Roache, Bailey Dickson and Cole Umland proudly stand in front of the school’s Angel Tree. Angel Tree presents donated from students, faculty and parents will go to help members of the community during the holidays. |
|
|
12/12/2011 |
News Briefs for Dec. 12, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Comal ISD closed for holiday break; School board to consider redistricting plan; Community encouraged to join strategic planning summits; and Deadline for online registration is Friday. |
|
|
12/12/2011 |
Students learn gift of giving at Sow Healthy Garden |
Many Comal ISD students weren’t thinking about what holiday presents they might receive in a few weeks Friday morning, they were more interested in giving the gift of garden.
Students from Freiheit Elementary helped harvest the Sow Healthy Garden on Dec. 9, picking rows and rows of cabbages, radishes, kale, mizuna, kohlrabi and collard greens that were donated to the S.O.S. Food Bank in New Braunfels.
Students at both Freiheit Elementary and Goodwin Frazier Elementary have been helping local volunteers and master gardeners all school year long, tending to the three-acre garden and watching seedlings become robust, healthy vegetables.
“This is one of the most unique projects I’ve ever been around,” said Calvin Plumb, a local chiropractor and volunteer. “I’ve been trying to get people to make healthy lifestyle changes for years, but it’s next to impossible when you’re talking to a 45-year-old. Now these students are going home and telling their parents about what they are doing here. They become the teachers.”
The garden was built this summer near Freiheit Rd. behind Canyon High School thanks to help from Comal ISD, the wellness company Resolute Health, many local master gardeners and a number of senior citizen volunteers.
The Sow Healthy Garden program has already won an Award for Excellence in Texas School Health. The Award of Achievement the garden earned is sponsored by the state’s School Health Program.
Freiheit Elementary student Zakerie Hanson said he’s learned some valuable lessons working in the garden.
“Vegetables from the garden are a lot better and a lot less expensive than buying them at the store,” Hanson said. “Plus, it makes you feel good when you know the food is going to people who need it.”
Master gardener Rosalie Meier is also a volunteer at the S.O.S. Food Bank.
“I think this project is incredible,” Meier said. “For these students to learn such healthy habits as well as learn the joy of giving to others at such a young age is something that will stick with them for a lifetime.”
Students will continue to plant vegetables, including green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, carrots, bell peppers, eggplant, basil and lettuce, throughout the school year.
Pictured is Freiheit Elementary student Trysten Mendez showing master gardener Rosalie Meier the radish he picked out of the Sow Healthy Garden as classmates Nathan Luera (left) and Phillip Fleming look on. Also pictured is Luera peeling off the outer layer of a Sow Healthy Garden cabbage to make sure it’s ready to be donated to the S.O.S. Food Bank in New Braunfels.
|
|
|
12/12/2011 |
Smithson Valley High students pack plenty of presents under Angel Tree |
Smithson Valley High students Tiffany Pittman, Jessica Pflum, Callie Newman and Carlee Foster pose with just a few of the many Angel Tree presents that will go to families of local elementary, middle and high school students during the holiday season. The students are part of the Family and Community Services (FACS) program at Smithson Valley High. Teacher Lori Niles is their sponsor. |
|
|
12/12/2011 |
Smithson Valley High Criminal Justice classes receive generous grant |
Smithson Valley High Criminal Justice classes recently received a generous grant from the Alamo Area Council of Governments Regional Youth Criminal Justice Education Program. The program is offered to regional high schools as a means of providing additional resources for criminal justice electives. Equipment received through this grant includes: a blood spatter kit, a ultraviolet forensic torch, Mag Mini-lite Flashlights, flashlight holsters, a distracted driver kit, a fatal vision goggle kit, a Sirche II Tactical Crime Scene Latent Print Kit, crime books, Texas Criminal & Traffic Law Manuals, forensic science lab manuals and workbooks and crime scene templates. Jason Gonzalez is the Criminal Justice teacher at Smithson Valley High School. Pictured are SVHS students Charles Risenmay (left) and Nikolas Prado performing a distracted driver test using goggles and a Frisbee.
|
|
|
12/12/2011 |
Morningside Elementary students meet "June" the cow during Ag Day |
Student Brody Maresh met “June” the cow during Ag-Day at Morningside Elementary. Canyon High Ag teacher Glenn Grimm brought out some of the school’s FFA show animals and talked to the students about how to feed animals and how important it is to care for them properly. |
|
|
12/6/2011 |
SVHS senior Ethan Perry selected to play in U.S. Army All-American Bowl |
Smithson Valley High senior Ethan Perry spent an average of 60 plays per game on the field for the Rangers’ football team this season.
He averaged only two punts per game during Smithson Valley’s bi-district championship season that fell short in the area round against four-time defending Class 4A state champion Lake Travis.
But those two punts per game for Perry, who also lined up at fullback, halfback, tight end and wide receiver when the Rangers were on offense this season, earned him the right to play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 7 in the Alamodome.
The game will be televised nationally on NBC. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
More than a dozen members of the U.S. Army, as well as the Smithson Valley band, cheerleaders and hundreds of students filled the school’s theater as Perry was officially invited to play on the team.
“It’s a great honor,” said Perry, who averaged 43.8 yards per punt this season and will head to Texas Christian University next fall to continue his athletic and academic careers. “I put so much time and effort into football and to be able to end my career and represent Smithson Valley in the Army All-American Bowl is really mind boggling.”
Darryl Perry remembers taking his son Ethan to the game several years ago.
“Back when Ethan was a freshman we went to the Army All-American Bowl and I remember we got there early and were watching the punters warm up,” Darryl Perry said. “Never in our wildest dreams did we think he would be one of those players down on the field one day and now he is. I’m very proud to see him get this special opportunity.”
Only 90 players nationwide, and only one punter per team, were chosen. Players will be divided into east versus west.
“It’s an extreme honor to be selected to play,” said Stephen Chavez, Army All-American Bowl representative. “There will be so much talent surrounding Ethan. He will be able to talk to and learn from other players and build friendships that last through college and beyond.”
More than one-third of the players who have competed in the Army All-American Bowl have gone on to play in the National Football League, including Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and former Texas Longhorn great and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Vince Young.
In addition, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, a Heisman Trophy finalist this season, and Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher, who was featured in the Academy Award winning movie The Blind Side, also played in the Army All-American Bowl.
“You start talking about the top 90 high school players in the country, and then you narrow it down to two punters, that’s pretty special,” said Smithson Valley head coach Larry Hill. “Ethan deserves this not only for what he’s done on the field but the way he’s carried himself off the field. I have no doubt he’ll excel at TCU and after that will continue to be an excellent young man in whatever he decides to do in the future.”
|
|
|
12/5/2011 |
News Briefs for Dec. 5, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Consensus reached on redistricting plan; holiday fetes abundant in Comal ISD; and early hearing screening available. |
|
|
11/29/2011 |
CHS JROTC members hold hard-fought competition |
Members of the Canyon High JROTC held their fall flight competition recently.
During flight competition, teams of freshman, sophomores and juniors compete in categories such as uniform inspection, drill commands, academic test, obstacle course, cheer, and model rocketry.
The spring flight competition will be held in early April, and the overall winner will be named at the Canyon High JROTC annual awards ceremony on April 18 at the campus’ Performing Arts Center.
Pictured is a flight of freshmen performing the “40-yard tire flip.” The test is part of the obstacle course.
|
|
|
11/28/2011 |
News Briefs for Nov. 28, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: School board to look at redistricting map; and preparation for next year's course selection continues. |
|
|
11/22/2011 |
SVHS students, faculty raise more than $8,300 during holiday giving campaign |
What started out as a goal to raise $500 for families in need during the holidays turned into much more than that at Smithson Valley High School.
Students and faculty members raised more than $8,300, selling “turkey feathers” for a quarter each and decorating their classrooms with them.
Teacher Taylor Keller’s students raised the most money, totaling nearly $1,250.
The money will be used to feed 25 families on both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and will be used to adopt numerous families for the local Angel Tree gift-giving campaign around the holidays. In addition, every custodian that works at Smithson Valley High School will be given a turkey.
“It was very inspirational for everyone,” said SVHS student Madison Hojnacki. “It felt great to do something for the community. You don’t have to be an adult to do something good like this to help people. It makes me feel great to know the student body at Smithson Valley High rallied together and helped so many families.”
Pictured are (l-r) teacher Taylor Keller and students Brandon Collins, Lauren Acuna, Elise O’Neil and Callie Newman. |
|
|
11/21/2011 |
News Briefs for Nov. 21, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Comal ISD closed for Thanksgiving holiday; School board policy review includes STAAR; Walk-in flu vaccine clinic scheduled for Nov. 29; Canyon Lake HS to perform 'Music Man;' and Online registration includes dual credit and "Maymester." |
|
|
11/18/2011 |
Comal ISD’s STAR athletes bowl strikes and bring smiles |
Nearly 100 students from eight middle and high schools participated in Comal ISD’s STAR (Specialized Training in Athletics and Recreation) Sports Program Bowling Competition at Fiesta Lanes in New Braunfels on Nov. 18.
Dozens of students, faculty and community members volunteered their time to make the event, which is the largest on the STAR fall sports schedule, a success.
Members of the New Braunfels Fire Department, Lt. Jack Ward, Kevin Risner and Frank Griesenbeck, volunteered and handed out gold, silver and bronze medals to every student who participated.
“We couldn’t have done this without our volunteers,” said Terry Werchan, coordinator of Comal ISD’s STAR Sports Program. “I think everybody involved went home with a smile on their face and a tear or two in their eyes.”
The STAR Sports Program students will celebrate their bowling victories at the Winter Dance at Canyon High School December 2, from 6-9 p.m. The STAR track and field season will begin in the spring.
Pictured are Canyon Lake High student Sloan Luzarraga (left) and Spring Branch Middle student Angel Monroe celebrating their medal-winning performances, Smithson Valley High paraprofessional Betsy Gholson pointing Canyon High student John Henry Natal the way toward a strike and Church Hill Middle School student Junior Vazquez showing everybody he’s No. 1 as he poses with New Braunfels Fire Department Lt. Jack Ward on the medal stand.
|
|
|
11/17/2011 |
Creative Thanksgiving fundraiser warms hearts of many at Canyon Lake High |
What started out as a competition between students and faculty members will make plenty of people happy this Thanksgiving.
More than $4,100 was raised to feed and take care of Canyon Lake High students and their families in need during the holidays during a fundraising drive.
It seems hard to believe the funds were raised at CLHS through donations as small as a dime, but that’s exactly what took place.
“We cut out and decorated hundreds of turkey feathers and sold them for a dime each,” said teacher Charles VanHouten. “Everyone at the school really got behind the campaign and it just took off from there.”
The feathers were placed outside different classroom doors on campus and the designs turned into enormous displays demonstrating the generosity at CLHS.
“One-hundred percent of the money raised will go to social services at the school,” said principal Cheryl Koury. “That could range from a Thanksgiving meal, or turning someone’s heat on. It’s really a wonderful thing our students and faculty did.”
CLHS sophomore Brianna Lopez said she could see the school unite behind the fundraising drive.
“It made us realize what we can do when we bond together as one to get something great accomplished,” Lopez said. “We wanted to make sure everyone had a good Thanksgiving.”
IN PHOTOS: (l-r) Brandon Ortiz, Briana Young, Brianna Lopez, JJ Nance and student teacher Jarell Routt pose in front of their door decorated with turkey feathers during the Canyon Lake High fundraising drive.
Dance team members (l-r) Quinn Pike, Cindy Cody, Branson Belcher and Marci Haigt show they want to “Feed the Hungry.” Canyon Lake High School students and faculty raised more than $4,100 during a drive geared to feed and take care of CLHS students and their families in need during the holidays.
|
|
|
11/14/2011 |
News Briefs for Nov. 14, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Students begin research for next year's course selection; STAAR details to be discussed at board meeting; and Education Foundation grants funds distributed to campuses. |
|
|
11/11/2011 |
Veterans Day celebrated around Comal ISD |
There were few dry eyes in the Canyon High gym during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony when Marine Staff Sergeant Roberto Carrillo presented a flag to Felix Farias, the father of Lance Cpl. John Farias, who was killed in June in a combat operation in Afghanistan.
Canyon High student Corey Priest gave a moving tribute to Farias, a 2009 Canyon High graduate, before the CHS band played the “Armed Forces Salute.”
The school’s Air Force Junior ROTC cadets performed the powerful POW/MIA presentation before the CHS trumpets section played “Taps.”
Veterans Day ceremonies were held throughout Comal ISD’s campuses.
Also pictured from Canyon High School are Chyenne Higdon thanking U.S. Navy World War II veteran Cecil J. Dykes for his service, Gilbert Soto (left) and Nathan Streger playing “Taps,” and Thomas Muth (left) Lynden Cardozayputzier presenting the colors.
|
|
|
11/9/2011 |
Flu Immunization Clinics |
Flu Immunization Clinics will be open to all Comal ISD students at Canyon High School (Cougar Den) on Monday, Nov. 14, from 1-5 p.m., and at Smithson Valley High School on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 1-5 p.m., main entrance.
Clinics sponsored by Christus Santa Rosa School Based Health Clinics. A $10 donation will be requested at the time of the vaccine.
Parents will not need to be present if child has a signed consent form (attached).
Questions, please call 830.237.4943. |
|
|
11/7/2011 |
Zach Henshaw is Canyon Lake High's Rudy |
Canyon High senior running back Zach Henshaw embodies the characteristics of Rudy Ruettiger, the former Notre Dame walk-on football player who overcame seemingly impossible odds to make a difference for the Fighting Irish in the 1970s.
The 1993 film of the same name immortalized Rudy.
Today, Inspireum is dedicated to celebrating outstanding youth achievement and has been searching for the most inspiring athletes on high school football teams around the country.
Henshaw was named one of the 50 nationwide semifinalists for The High School Football Rudy Award.
Henshaw, a senior, was not only a leader on his Hawks’ team that finished 8-2 this season – rushing for 2,091 yards and 25 touchdowns, but also overcame the sudden loss of his father a week before Christmas in 2010.
“We were all afraid of how Zach would handle losing his dad and we were all there for him,” said Canyon Lake High head coach Matt Monzingo. “But he was there for us too. He’s been an inspiration to everyone on campus and especially all of his teammates. Adverse situations, even ones as devastating as this, are going to come up in life and Zach’s handled it as well as anyone possible could have.”
Monzingo added he’s never been around anyone quite like Henshaw in his coaching career.
“Zach’s commitment is an every day thing,” Monzingo said. “He doesn’t work harder one day and then we see that level go down the next. He leads by example and his teammates follow that. I’ve never been around a kid as committed to doing the right thing as Zach Henshaw in my 30 years of coaching.”
Coaches, parents, teammates, and friends who have a ‘Rudy’ on their team nominated players representing all 50 states.
The High School Football ‘Rudy’ Award selection committee includes the likes of Dallas Cowboys’ all-time great and Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman and former New England Patriot linebacker Tedy Bruschi. Aikman and Bruschi joined the selection team this year.
“I’ve known Troy and Tedy for a long time,” said Drew Bledsoe, former New England Patriot quarterback and Chairman of the Rudy Awards selection committee. “They both understand how important sports can be in the positive development of a child and how one member of the team can contribute so much, elevating everyone else. They’re a natural fit for this selection committee.”
The 12 finalists for the award will be listed on Dec. 11 in Parade Magazine.
The Trusted Sports Foundation will award a total of $25,000 in academic scholarships to the finalists, with a $7,500 college scholarship presented to the winner. Fans can vote for the stories that inspire them at www.HighSchoolRudyAwards.com. One particular scholarship is for fan favorite, which is based on the number of votes received. Fans can vote once per day.
The winner of the High School Football ‘Rudy’ Award will be announced on January 15, 2012. (Photo by Sam Roberts Photography)
|
|
|
11/7/2011 |
News Briefs for Nov. 7, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Zach Henshaw of CLHS is semifinalist in Rudy Awards; CHS earns recognition for college readiness; CHS student wins 1st Place in Geography poster contest; and Veterans Day celebrations are planned at campuses throughout Comal ISD. |
|
|
11/7/2011 |
Health-themed Family Summit at CHS a success |
Parents, students and community members visited Canyon High on Nov. 5 for the Comal ISD Family Summit.
The summit’s theme was “Empowering Children with Healthy Lifestyles” and parents and students learned how to plant and eat healthy vegetables, and just how rewarding activities like yoga and gymnastics can be, at a few of the many booths set up for families.
In addition, expert speakers gave sessions on topics like on “Preparing your child for College,” “Helping your child develop character, integrity, and morality,” and “Bullying.”
Parent Melynn Brandenburg said the Parent Summit was a great forum.
“I think it’s wonderful because it gets everyone involved,” said Brandenburg. “A summit like this brings families together. It seems like life gets too busy sometimes so it’s nice to be able to do something like this once in awhile.”
Canyon High principal Brad Brown said the summit was a one-stop information shop.
“The summit is very valuable because you can go to one place and get a lot of information that’s useful,” Brown said.
The Canyon High School National Honor Society was on hand to help children from Pre-K to 5th grade plant seeds to take home to start their very own garden as part of Comal ISD’s Sow Healthy Intergenerational Garden program.
“It’s really exciting to see their faces light up,” said NHS president Emily Drastata. “We love it because we know they are learning something useful.”
Jennifer Quackenbush, Resolute Health Community Health Programs Manager, agreed it’s never too early to learn about living a healthy lifestyle.
“There’s always something to learn about in the garden,” Quackenbush said. “Planting things is always fun.”
The summit will also featured “Children of Children, Portraits and Stories of Teenage Parents,” a multimedia traveling exhibition by photographer Michael Nye. This powerful exhibition features 50 black and white photographs, each accompanied by audio stories told by the individuals in the portraits.
“Parents and students were able to stop at places and attend sessions that fit their particular needs,” said Jamie Ezell, Comal ISD’s parent commnuity liasion. “Our goal is to have something for everyone and I think we accomplished that.”
IN PHOTO: Jennifer Quackenbush, Resolute Health Community Health Programs Manager, watches as student Wesley Voigt pour soil before planting radishes as part of Comal ISD’s Sow Healthy Intergenerational Garden program.
|
|
|
11/3/2011 |
Canyon High students to perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Nov. 12-14 at school's Performing Arts Center |
Canyon High School’s Theatre Arts Department will proudly present Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Nov. 12-14 at the CHS Performing Arts Center.
Playful Fairies, ill-fated lovers, the King and Queen of the forest and a band of rudimentary actors all cross paths one summer’s night in the forest outside of Athens. Magical spells, pranks and passion lead to a delightful comedy of errors in this beloved tale. Canyon will be presenting Shakespeare’s comedy in a traditional Elizabethan style.
Performances are scheduled to begin on Nov. 12 and 14 at 7 p.m., and on Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
Advance tickets can currently be purchased from any cast or crew member or at the CHS front office. Advanced tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will also be available at the box office one hour before each performance. All tickets purchased at the box office are $6. Email april.cox@comalisd.org for more information.
IN PHOTO: Canyon High students (back row, l-r) Jordan Hoffer and Jamika Campbell, and (front fow, l-r) Zach Butler, Jenna Howe, Nathan Smith and Lauren Bush will star in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Nov. 12-14 at the CHS Performing Arts Center.
|
|
|
11/3/2011 |
Comal ISD earns spot on College Board's AP Honor Roll |
Comal ISD is one of only 400 school districts in the country to earn a place on the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll for increasing access to AP coursework while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. |
|
|
11/3/2011 |
Comal ISD receives record 72 Gold Performance Awards |
Comal ISD received a record 72 Gold Performance Acknowledgement (GPA) awards from the Texas Education Agency for outstanding academic performance in 2011.
Comal ISD received three of the 72 GPAs in Commended Performance in Social Studies, College Ready Graduates and the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) in Math. A total of 22 campuses received acknowledgements.
|
|
|
10/31/2011 |
Campuses celebrate Generation Texas Week |
Campuses throughout Comal ISD will celebrate Generation Texas Week, Nov. 14-18. The week represents a statewide initiative to organize and mobilize communities to help Texas students and their families pursue the path to college and career education beyond high school. |
|
|
10/31/2011 |
News Briefs for Oct. 31, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Four campuses recognized as Higher Performers; Sow Healthy program wins Award of Achievement; Honor a special teacher; and Parent/Teacher Conferences slated for next week. |
|
|
10/31/2011 |
Comal ISD students, pumpkins have fun dressing up as favorite book characters |
Comal ISD students were certainly in a festive mood on Monday.
At Bill Brown Elementary, students dressed up like their favorite book characters.
Pictured are (l-r) Delaney Martin, Jess Whitehead, Wrilyn Shippey, Whitney Whitehead, Carleigh Dickson, Bennett Cote and kindergarten teacher Crystal Harred.
At Kinder Ranch Elementary, more than 80 students entered a library contest where they decorated pumpkins like their favorite book character. Librarian Kelly McDaniel then helped the students display their colorful creations on top of bookshelves for everyone at the brand new campus to admire.
Pictured are (l-r) Madelyn Bartek, Damita Mendoza, Breylyn Burke, Alex McArthur, Courtney Pabis and Amelia Pimenta.
|
|
|
10/28/2011 |
Students harvest, eat own veggies in Sow Healthy Garden program |
Freiheit Elementary School students involved in the Sow Healthy Garden program certainly don’t mind eating their vegetables.
That’s because they planted them, watched them grow, and then ultimately ate the veggies in their school cafeteria.
Comal ISD executive chef Mario Perez visited the campus on Oct. 28, shortly after the students helped harvest vegetables such as radishes, bell peppers, onions and asparagus that had been growing in the three-acre Sow Healthy Garden located near the school.
Perez had a kitchen full of 4th-graders fixated on every word he spoke as he showed them how to properly wash the vegetables before cutting them up. The students then filled their lunch plate with items such as chicken fajitas packed with onions and bell peppers from the garden.
“It’s humbling to have a child come up to you and say how proud he or she is to be eating vegetables they grew,” Perez said. “A program like this can make such a difference in creating healthy lifestyles. These students have definitely taken ownership of their garden.”
Students at both Freiheit Elementary and Goodwin Frazier Elementary schools in New Braunfels have been participating in the Sow Healthy Garden program since the beginning of the school year. The garden was built thanks to help from Comal ISD, the wellness company Resolute Health, many local master gardeners and a number of senior citizen volunteers.
Dianna Tidwell, Comal ISD director of dining services, said she has no doubt the program will expand.
The Sow Healthy Garden program has already earned an Award for Excellence in Texas School Health. The Award of Achievement is sponsored by the state’s School Health Program.
“I have several other elementary schools around the district wanting to start their own Sow Healthy Garden,” Tidwell said. “I think everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. It’s easy to see why – the kids involved now are really loving it.”
Freiheit Elementary student Kayleah Crowley said seeing the vegetables she had a part in growing in the school cafeteria was quite an experience.
“When the vegetables go from the garden to our tummies it’s pretty cool,” Crowley said. “It gives us a good feeling to know we were a part of it. We’re learning that healthy food is a lot better for us than fast food.”
Freiheit Elementary principal Marisa Wulfsberg said she knows the program is making a difference. Vegetables from the Sow Healthy Garden are also donated to the local food bank.
“I see a faces light up when they know it’s their day to go to the garden,” Wulfsberg said. “Our students are learning so many valuable lessons.”
Students will continue to plant different vegetables such as okra, broccoli, tomatoes, cilantro, potatoes, beans, cucumbers and squash throughout the school year. They will also learn about composting and aquaponics methods to fertilize the plants.
The hope is to eventually make the area a full sustainable organic farm complete with chickens and milking cows.
“This also integrates science curriculum,” said Jennifer Quackenbush, Resolute Health Community Health Programs Manager. “It’s really like a big outdoor classroom where students and community members can take control of their health and well being.”
IN PHOTOS: Comal ISD executive chef Mario Perez shows Freiheit Elementary students how to clean and prepare vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers and radishes as part of the Sow Healthy Garden program.
|
|
|
10/28/2011 |
School Board hears positive financial management news |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Thursday, for the ninth year in a row, heard that the financial management of the district is “superior,” according to the state Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST). |
|
|
10/27/2011 |
CHS, SVHS marching bands one step away from State |
After advancing past the regional level, members of the Canyon and Smithson Valley high school bands will try and earn their way to the UIL State Marching Band Contest this weekend.
CHS and SVHS will be two of 22 Class 4A marching bands competing at the area contest Saturday, Oct. 29 at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park.
Only the top four marching bands at area will advance to the state competition, which will be held Nov. 7-8 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Pictured are CHS drum majors (l-r) Tabbi Austin, Kirti Martinez, Caitlyn Hanson and Thomas Heinrich. |
|
|
10/27/2011 |
Anti-truancy program making a difference in Comal ISD |
Comal County Judge Charles Stephens knew the statistics all too well about the dangers of truancy.
More than 80 percent of young people or adults in juvenile detention or prison had truancy issues when they were in school.
So when the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce decided to put a committee together in February to help stop the problem of truancy before it becomes a serious problem in a young person’s life, he jumped at the chance to be a part of it.
“Truancy is a gateway crime,” Stephens said. “The same students I see being filed on for truancy are the ones I see committing other crimes later in life.”
A committee was put together and a pilot program was installed at Canyon Middle School.
On Mondays, Stephens teams up with a juvenile probation officer, a member of Communities In Schools and a representative from Comal ISD to hold sessions with students who are having issues with truancy. The parents of the students are also invited to attend.
These are students who would normally have had a case filed against them that ended up in the regular court system as a result of their truancy, but instead of going in front of the Justice of the Peace, the committee members get a chance to work with the students first. Truancy is a Class C misdemeanor.
“The purpose of this committee is to help students get over whatever issue is causing the truancy,” Stephens said. “Our goal is to fix the problem before the students end up in court.”
Stephens said the answers to helping these students are wide ranging.
“It can be as simple as buying a student an alarm clock,” he said. “If a student is interested in sports or band, we do what we can to get them involved in those activities.”
Stephens said middle school is the perfect time to try and instill a message like this.
“It’s really a great chance for us to make a difference because students at the middle school age tend to be much more complaint,” Stephens said. “I have high school kids of my own, and I know once they reach that age sometimes it’s harder to get your message across. We have to attack this problem early so we don’t lose some of these kids. These are good kids, most of the times they have something else going on in their lives that is causing the truancy.”
Comal ISD attendance officer Debbie Mault said she has seen results since the program began.
“Anything that helps students stay out of the court system is a good thing,” Mault said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how many students this program will help in the future.”
|
|
|
10/25/2011 |
TPES teacher Jennifer White named SACU KENS5 Golden Apple Award Winner |
Timberwood Park Elementary School teacher Jennifer White was honored as Comal ISD’s KENS5 San Antonio Credit Union ExCEL Award winner in a ceremony at TPES on Oct. 25.
She received the Golden Apple Award from KENS5 and a check for $1,000 from SACU. KENS5 will run a story featuring White during its 6 p.m. newscast on Oct. 27. It will re-air during the station’s Oct. 29 newscast between 7:30-9 a.m.
“When I found out I won everyone in my classroom went crazy,” White said. “I told my students this is their award.”
Teaching is literally in White’s blood. Her mother Carol McDowell still teaches the same grade level at the same school she has for the last 31 years—6th grade at Spring Hill Middle School in Longview.
“As I’ve watched and learned from her over the years, I realized early on that the teaching profession is not about standing in front of the room disseminating information; it’s about caring for and doing what’s best for kids,” White said. “My mother continually receives emails and letters from past students thanking her for all that she has done for them. Some thank her for teaching them to write well; others thank her for helping them through a difficult situation.”
White, who has taught a total of seven years and has been at Timberwood Park Elementary since it opened four years ago, has started to build those same relationships with her students.
“When I see my students pushing past their comfort levels to reach new goals and gain higher expectations for themselves academically and personally, that’s what I consider an accomplishment,” White said. “I listen, I talk, and I interact because I know that’s what makes a difference in the lives of students.”
Timberwood Park Elementary principal Lauri Schroeder said White certainly understands what teaching is all about.
“Jennifer is one of the most dynamic and innovative teachers on our campus,” Schroeder said. “She gets kids involved and makes learning fun and engaging.”
Other Comal ISD elementary-level teachers nominated for the KENS5 San Antonio Credit Union ExCEL Award were Julie Cronkhite, Garden Ridge Elementary; Kay Brietzke, Freiheit Elementary; Dana Haby, Johnson Ranch Elementary; Michelle Vandertulip, Morningside Elementary; Deanna Jones, Specht Elementary; James Orth, Hoffmann Lane Elementary; Cindy Slye, Rebecca Creek Elementary; Terri Firth, Startzville Elementary; Celia Barragan, Clear Spring Elementary; Jami Keele, Oak Creek Elementary; Jamie Sales, Goodwin Frazier Elementary; Carol Murray, Bill Brown Elementary; Norma Trevino, Arlon Seay Elementary; and Jennifer Klar, Rahe Bulverde Elementary.
|
|
|
10/24/2011 |
Comal ISD campuses kick off Red Ribbon Week |
Campuses around Comal ISD kicked off “Red Ribbon Week” in style on October 24, with themes like Hairs’ to a Drug-Free Life (crazy hair day), Sock it to Drugs! (crazy sock day), and Mix it up Monday (sit with someone you don’t know at lunch).
Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. It serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America.
Red Ribbon Week commemorates life and death DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs.
Red Ribbon Week is now nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life.
Additional Red Ribbon Week themes around Comal ISD for students who’ve made the commitment to live a drug free life include: Give Drugs the Boot (wear your favorite pair of boots), Join the Fight Against Drugs (camouflage day), and Our School has Character! We say NO to Drugs! (dress like your favorite book character and bring a book to share).
Pictured are Clear Spring Elementary siblings (l-r) Abbey and Oliva Malone and Rudy and Cesar Valero wearing patriotic clothes as part of a Red Ribbon Week theme. Also pictured are Goodwin Frazier Elementary students and teachers wearing their favorite sports team’s jersey in an effort to Team Up Against Drugs during Red Ribbon Week. They are (back row, l-r) teacher Denise Ayala, Vincent Hankins, David Gibson, Charles Morehouse, Abigail Finn, Elle Rocha, Bella Rizo, Logan Bunny, and nurse Susan Belanger. (Front row) Steven Cardenas, Dallas Garcia, Kingsley Ybarra, Kristen Rutherford, Damasio Gomez and Kaila Adams.
|
|
|
10/24/2011 |
News Briefs for Oct. 24, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: Redistricting committee to present recommendation to school board; regular October school board meeting is Thursday, Oct. 27; and campuses recognize Red Ribbon Week with activities. |
|
|
10/24/2011 |
Arlon Seay Elementary student finalist in national vocal talent contest |
Ciana Nanney, a fourth-grader in Barbara Hall’s class at Arlon Seay Elementary, has become a local celebrity competing on a national stage.
Since June, Ciana has been competing in Sing!, a national vocal talent competition designed to shine the spotlight on choirs, glee clubs and soloists around the country.
Soloists like Ciana are competing for the chance to win a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice, and $2,500 in MasterCard Gift Cards.
Should she win, Ciana has chosen the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital as her charity.
So far, Ciana has made it through three elimination rounds and is now the solo finalist representing Texas. She is competing against 10 other contestants from across the US and Puerto Rico.
“This is a very big deal,” Arlon Seay Elementary principal Kim Brann said. “We are all very proud of Ciana.”
The contest is now in the voting stage, which will last until the end of October.
To listen to Ciana Nanney performing her solo “In The Big Leagues” from the Village at Stone Oak in San Antonio, copy and paste the following link: http://www.2011sing.com/sing-contest/15
|
|
|
10/20/2010 |
Nine Comal ISD students earn National Academic Recognition |
Of more than 1.5 million high school juniors that took the Pre-SAT test in 2010, only 16,000 were named National Merit Semifinalists.
Smithson Valley High School’s Taylor Lathrop earned that distinguished honor.
Of the 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, 15,000 students will be named National Merit Finalists in February. Half of those students will be selected as Merit Scholarship winners earning the Merit Scholar title.
“I was very excited when I heard the news,” Lathrop said. “Now I’m nervous. It’s definitely a goal to become a Finalist.”
In addition, five Comal ISD students earned National Merit Commended status: Kristin Maulding of Canyon Lake High School, Emily Drastata and Brooke Woodard of Canyon High School, and Michaela Gonzalez and Michael Keeton of Smithson Valley High School.
About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation were recognized. Although they will not continue in the 2012 competition for National Merit Scholarships, the commended students placed among the top 5 percent nationwide.
Kelly Day, Miranda Dominguez-Morgan and Gonzalez, all Smithson Valley High students, have been named National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. This program identifies nearly 5,000 outstanding Hispanic/Latino students in the U.S. each year based on grade point average and PSAT scores.
Established in 1983, the National Hispanic Recognition Program is a College Board program that provides national recognition of the exceptional academic achievements of Hispanic high school seniors and identifies them for postsecondary institutions.
Canyon High senior Atarah Fields has been recognized by the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which has provided recognition for outstanding African-American high school students since 1964. Students enter the program by taking the PSAT as juniors and identifying themselves as Black Americans. From more than 160,000 students nationwide, Atarah scored in the top 3 percent.
|
|
|
10/17/2011 |
News Briefs for Oct. 17, 2011 |
News Briefs this week include: National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes 10 Comal ISD students; Family Summit to focus on empowering children with healthy lifestyles, Nov. 5; Red Ribbon Week activities aplenty on campuses; and Gifted & Talented referral and screening meeting set. |
|
|
10/13/2011 |
New program gives secondary students ability to take home computers, iPads, iPods and more |
Mountain Valley Middle School student Mike Thorpe doesn’t have the luxury of computer access at home anytime he wants it.
Now, with a new program at Comal ISD secondary schools, Thorpe and any other middle or high school student in the district can take a computer home with them simply by checking it out at the campus library.
Thanks to the new “Check IT Out” program implemented by the district’s technology department, each secondary campus library has Dell Inspiron laptops to check out, as well as iPads, iPod touch devices and Flip Video cameras.
“It’s very exciting,” Thorpe said. “I’ve already started working on a lot of my projects at home. I’ve been working on a history research project on explorers and the Pennsylvania Colony and doing a PowerPoint for English class.”
Students are also provided Sprint Internet access through the school district for the laptops, filtered by Mobicip.com, which provides Mobile Child Internet Protection.
All students need to be able to take home any of the “Check IT Out” technology devices is have their parents sign a release form at the campus library.
“Within the first week we already had a waiting list,” MVMS librarian Christine Kidd said. “Our students are excited about taking advantage of this great opportunity.”
“Students have access to the full Microsoft Office suite, a built-in webcam where they can record themselves narrating a project,” said Jennifer Wivagg, Comal ISD instructional media specialist. “They can also make movies or book reports and all the iPods have video and still cameras so if a teacher gives an assignment to find examples of erosion near your house, students can go out and take video and pictures.”
Canyon Lake High School librarian Dr. Nancy Hartman said her students love “Check IT Out.”
“Oh my goodness, this gives such accessibility to our kids who don’t have Internet access or a computer at home,” Hartman said. “There are so many great learning tools they can check out. As soon as one of the Dell computers comes back, 30 minutes later it is checked out again.”
Wivagg said she wanted to make sure parents know how simple it is for their students to have access to the “Check IT Out” equipment.
“Anytime you give students access to technology who normally wouldn’t have that opportunity it’s a great thing,” Wivagg said. “We hope that many parents help their students take advantage of this program.”
For more information on the “Check IT Out” program, please contact your secondary student’s campus librarian.
Pictured are Canyon Lake High students D.J. Seeger and Heather Armstrong using the Dell Inspiron laptops.
|
|
|
10/7/2011 |
News Briefs for Oct. 7, 2011 |
News briefs this week include: Family Summit to focus on empowering children with healthy lifestyles, Nov. 5; college exam deadlines approaching; CHS to host, "Making it Count" for college financing; and Clear Spring Elementary hosts SMART night. |
|
|
10/5/2011 |
Kinder Ranch Elementary officially dedicated |
The dedication of Kinder Ranch Elementary brought students and parents, faculty and community members, and Comal ISD administration and school board members together to celebrate the evening of Oct. 4. The school, which opened in August, is located in the Kinder Ranch subdivision in northern Bexar County, at the corner of Borgfeld and Bulverde roads. Pictured are students (front row, l-r) Logan Finley, Nicolas Finley, Douglas Aabbad, Andrew Barge and JR Barge, along with (back row) Thomas Bloxham, assistant superintendent for support services, Stephen Smith, school board trustee, Dr. Jodi Duron, assistant superintendent for academics and student services, Dale Dehlin, school board trustee, Dr. Judy Murray, principal, Frank Baker, school board president, Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent, Bill Swint, school board secretary, Sandra Shelton, chief technology officer, Debra George, chief financial officer, and David Spencer, school board treasurer. |
|
|
10/3/2011 |
News Briefs for Oct. 3, 2011 |
News briefs this week include: Students benefit from technology initiatives and district meets requirements of IDEA. |
|
|
9/29/2011 |
Hundreds attend Comal ISD’s third annual College and Career Fair at SVHS |
Hundreds of area students and their parents poured into Smithson Valley High on Sept. 28 for Comal ISD’s third annual College and Career Fair.
More than 75 colleges and universities including the University of Texas-Austin, Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas State University, University of Texas-San Antonio, Baylor University, Texas Tech University, Trinity University, University of the Incarnate Word, University of North Texas, the University of Iowa and many more were represented at the event.
In addition, students and parents were able to visit with recruiters from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard, as well as vocational programs including the Aveda Institute, Paul Mitchell Beauty School, the Universal Technical Institute, and The Culinary Institute of America.
“I think it was a great success,” said Dean Hofer, SVHS college and career advisor. “It was a great opportunity for students and parents to ask representatives questions about their universities or vocational programs without having to travel all around the country to do so. It’s also a lot more personal than getting on a computer and trying to do research that way.”
Karen Williams, who has a high school and middle school student attending Comal ISD campuses, said the College and Career Fair is an invaluable tool.
“I was very impressed with the wide range of universities, colleges and career choices for the kids,” Williams said. “It gave them a great chance to see many opportunities they might not have had a chance to otherwise. The representatives really took the time to make sure all of your questions were answered.”
Pictured are Smithson Valley High senior Christian Flores and his mother Catherine Bruce speaking with Kim Hedden of The Culinary Institute of America and United States Air Force representative Sgt. James Peoples talking to SVHS senior Daniel Espino and his father Ernest Fitchett.
|
|
|
9/26/2011 |
Comal ISD trustees set 2011-12 tax rate |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Thursday set a tax rate of $1.43 cents per $100 valuation for the 2011-12 school year, which is 6 cents higher than last year’s rate. |
|
|
9/26/2011 |
News Briefs for Sept. 26, 2011 |
News briefs this week include: Kinder Ranch Elementary dedication ceremony to be Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m.; Students throughout the district are participating in health eating art contests; and gifted and talented information meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. |
|
|
9/21/2011 |
Comal ISD students have a reason to smile |
Students at Startzville Elementary have a reason to smile Sept. 19-22 as the “Tooth Time Dental Clinic” paid a visit to the STZES campus.
This outreach program brings dental technicians to schools in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Austin, and even travels as far as Marfa to help children in need.
Its services are available to students who turn in a parental consent form whether they have dental insurance or not.
“Our goal is to provide students, at no cost to parents, preventative treatments like cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants and x-rays,” said program coordinator Manuel SanMiguel. “If they have a more serious need, we refer them to a local dentist we work with. The hope is what we provide will prevent those severe dental issues.”
Communities in Schools, the STZES parent-resource center and campus nurse Kelli Brooks all played a role in bringing the team to Startzville. IN PHOTO: Dental Hygienist Kammie Brzozowski, of Tooth Time Family Dentistry, helps make Startzville Elementary kindergarten student Willie Pelton’s teeth pearly white during a cleaning.
The Tooth Time Dental Clinic will visit other Comal ISD campuses during the fall semester: Freiheit Elementary (Oct. 3-7), Morningside Elementary (Oct. 24-28), Johnson Ranch Elementary (Oct. 25-26), Bill Brown Elementary (Nov. 8-11), Timberwood Park Elementary (Nov. 14-15), and Hoffmann Lane Elementary (Nov. 16-19).
|
|
|
9/21/2011 |
Comal ISD students ready for county fair |
Students from around Comal ISD are excited about the county fair, which kicked off last weekend.
The Comal County Fair Parade will take place on Friday, September 23. It will start at the corner of San Antonio and Santa Clara streets at 10 a.m., travel down San Antonio Street, across the Comal River Bridge, and end in Prince Solms Park.
Floats representing many of Comal ISD’s students will be motoring along the route, including dance teams, cheerleaders, drama clubs, FFA groups and bands from Canyon, Smithson Valley and Canyon Lake high schools.
In addition, many of the school district’s youngest students will be entering events like the popular “Shoebox Float” contest.
Community members will be out at the Comal County Fairgrounds until Sunday, September 25, enjoying the carnival, food booths, animal exhibits that feature baby chicks, goats and cattle, a kids rodeo clown contest, a pet parade, an antique tractor pull, live music, a BBQ cook-off and even a pizza-eating contest.
Pictured are kindergarten students Madelynn Wood (left) with her Shoebox Float titled “Floatin’ the Comal for 118 years” and Caleb Sieg with his float depicting the popular Cars movie series. Wood and Sieg are in teacher Aimee Whiteman’s class at Startzville Elementary.
|
|
|
9/19/2011 |
News Briefs for Sept. 19, 2011 |
News briefs this week include: School board to set a tax rate on Thursday, Timberwood Park recognized for healthy initiative, College exam deadlines approaching, Annual College and Career Fair slated for Sept. 28. |
|
|
9/15/2011 |
Rachel’s Challenge message touches many in Comal ISD |
There’s a great chance Rachel Joy Scott would have been a good friend of Caitlyn Bunner’s if she attended Canyon Lake High School today.
Scott was the first student killed in the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999.
Scott made a habit of making sure no one at her school felt left out or lonely. If she noticed anyone was isolated from the rest of the student body, Scott made sure to stop and say hello on a daily basis, or she sat down next to that student during lunch break. Scott consistently wrote in her diaries about how she wanted to change the world through these small acts of kindness.
Canyon Lake High’s entire student body watched powerful video and audio footage of Rachel's life and the Columbine tragedy on Tuesday.
“Rachel’s Challenge” kept students spellbound during a one-hour presentation that motivated them to change the way they treat others.
Comal ISD students from Rebecca Creek Elementary, Startzville Elementary and Mountain Valley Middle also viewed the compelling Rachel’s Challenge story.
|
|
|
9/12/2011 |
Comal ISD students rally to Bastrop's aid |
Students throughout Comal ISD are working creatively and diligently to gather items, funds and ultimately hope for the victims of the fires in Bastrop ISD. |
|
|
9/12/2011 |
News Briefs for Sept. 12, 2011 |
News briefs this week include: Redistricting Advisory Committee builds draft plan; free and reduced meal application information available; campuses join H-E-B in Read 3 campaign; WatchDogs launch at Rahe Bulverde; and PEC donates $1,000 to Education Foundation. |
|
|
9/9/2011 |
Cowboys and horses at Johnson Ranch Elementary |
Cowboy Walt Harris, husband of first-grade teacher Sarah Harris, visited Johnson Ranch Elementary recently. He taught students how to be "ROPERS" Respectful, Organized, Proud, Excellent, Responsible, Students. He also brought along his horse "Moses" who he rides in team and calf roping competitions. Pictured are JRES student Sofia Young petting Moses alongside Walt Harris and fellow first grader Bradley Baksik showing off his ropin' skills. |
|
|
9/6/2011 |
News Briefs for Sept. 6, 2011 |
This week's news briefs include: early childhood screening scheduled; Mountain Valley Middle School receives a $3,000 literacy grant; Open Houses are scheduled in Comal ISD throughout September; and Rachel's Challenge events begin next week. |
|
|
9/6/2011 |
Branch opens for RBFCU inside SVHS |
About 30 representatives of Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), Comal ISD and Smithson Valley High School (SVHS) celebrated the opening of in-school credit union branch on Tuesday with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. |
|
|
9/2/2011 |
STZES hopping with students creating and learning |
Students in Jenny Jurica’s fifth-grade science classes at Startzville Elementary recently completed a “penny predictions” experiment in which students had to hypothesize how many drops of colored water would fit on a penny. Pictured is Lezlie Milner carefully placing drops of water on her coin during the lesson on scientific predictions.
Librarian Sheri Wersterfer disappeared and “Chef Read Moore” magically appeared at Startzville Elementary on August 31. The chef promised to serve up the best books to the students all year long and told them how to treat and respect their library. The students were taught how to go through the library’s database and how to check out books, and were told about things to looks forward to in the future like story time and book fairs. |
|
|
8/31/2011 |
Map skills at Rahe Bulverde Elementary leads to tasty treats |
Fourth-grade students in Jenica McGann’s class spent the morning of August 31 performing an outdoor orienteering lesson. They put their recent studies of map skills to use by going on a treasure hunt using compasses to find clues that were located in different directions. When the students reached their ultimate destination in the school’s large playground area, they found McGann hiding behind a tree with popsicle treats to hand out. During this lesson students also learned how to navigate using the sun and stars. Pictured are (l-r) Gabi Smith, Kelci McNamara and Brianna Grell using compasses finding their way to a clue located due north. |
|
|
8/29/2011 |
News Briefs for the week of Aug. 22-26, 2011 |
News briefs for this week include: School Based Health Center expands hours; Credit by Exam offered in October; First redistricting committee meeting is set for Sept. 6; Two students participate in Lone Star Leadership Academy; SAT and ACT testing prep, dates announced; and registration is under way for Community Education classes. |
|
|
8/25/2011 |
Garden Ridge Elementary receives architectural design honor |
Comal ISD’s Garden Ridge Elementary School, which opened August 2010, earned honorable mention in the Caudill Award contest.
The Caudill Award is the highest honor for planning and design of Texas public education facilities at the Texas Association of School Boards’ and the Texas Association of School Administrators’ (TASA/TASB) annual convention.
SHW Group designed the facility, which has many “green school” features such as a living roof, skylights that provide natural lighting in the library, rainwater harvesting with on-site storage, and an energy conservation system that automatically adjusts lighting in the classroom.
Comal ISD’s newest school, Kinder Ranch Elementary, and Indian Springs Elementary, which is scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2012-13 school year, both have designs similar to Garden Ridge Elementary.
The Caudill Award is given annual to a facility that demonstrates excellence in design, innovation, process of planning, sustainability and value.
A SHW Group-designed project has received the Caudill Award seven times since the award’s foundation in 1991. No other architecture firm has won as many times.
Spring ISD’s Gloria Marshall Elementary School won the Caudill Award in 2011, and Humble ISD’s Atascocita Springs Elementary School was the only other campus besides Garden Ridge Elementary named honorable mention in the exhibit of school architecture competition.
Pictured are the school’s living roof and a rainwater-harvesting silo. |
|
|
8/25/2011 |
Credit by Exam Schedule Posted |
For current Comal ISD students, Credit by Exam for Acceleration and Credit by Exam with Prior Instruction is offered twice per school year. Dates for testing in October are Oct. 1, Oct. 8 and Oct. 15. Deadline to apply is Sept. 7.
Students may take up to two (2) semester exams at each test session. Qualifications for taking one of the two types of exams are:
Credit by Exam for Acceleration:
1. Students may take an exam to earn credit for any course listed below, as long as they have not received instruction in that course.
2. A score of 90 or better is required to receive credit.
3. The same Credit for Acceleration may be attempted only two times.
4. There is no cost to the student/parent for this type of exam.
Credit by Exam with Prior Instruction:
1. Students may be eligible for credit by examination if they have failed a one semester course OR one or both semesters of a full year course.
2. To receive credit for the course, students must score a grade of 70 or higher.
3. A NON-REFUNDABLE payment of $30.00 per semester exam is required to be paid no later than Wednesday September 7, 2011.
4. Personal checks or money orders need to be made payable to “COMAL ISD”.
TRANSPORTATION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT ON EXAM DAY
A COMPLETE LIST OF EXAMS AVAILABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL COURSES CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.utexas.edu/ce/k16/cbe-ea/exams-available/ and if not listed here, please review https://www.depts.ttu.edu/uc/ec2k/Heading.asp?heading_id=223
** The letters A & B represent Fall Semester “A” and Spring Semester “B” when requesting semester exams for courses.
Students may print their own copy of the Study Guide for their exams(s) from the Texas Tech University website. You may find them by following these steps: Go to http://www.utexas.edu/ce/k16/cbe-ea/study-guides/ or www.depts.ttu.edu/ode/cbereview Click on the subject group to find your exam Study Guide Select the exam you have registered to take and print your own Study Guide(s). |
|
|
8/25/2011 |
Comal ISD trustees approve 2011-12 budget |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a budget for 2011-12 that is approximately $3.2 million smaller than last year’s budget, though it supports instructional services for an additional 575 students. |
|
|
8/25/2011 |
Comal ISD summer graduation 2011 |
The numbers may have been small, but the impact was huge as five Comal ISD students received high school diplomas during the summer graduation ceremony prior to the August 24 school board meeting.
Glen Houde and Kris Jonas from Canyon Lake High School, Candace Aguirre, Matthew Clark, Corrine Mullins, Aricelda Ortiz and Amanda Vetter from Comal Academy and Vivian Cruz from Canyon High School captured the credits necessary for high school graduation. Pictured (l-r) Vetter, Ortiz, Jonas, Mullins and Aguirre attended Wednesday’s ceremony.
“We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference,” said Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent of Comal ISD. “That is your challenge. Go forth and change the world.”
“Your diligence and persistence have paid off,” Frank Baker, president of the school board, told the students. “The journey ahead of you will be tough, but it will be fun all the more.” |
|
|
8/22/2011 |
Comal ISD kicks off 2011-12 school year |
Kinder Ranch Elementary fourth grader Seth Fennen wasn’t intimidated by the fact he was entering a brand new school the morning of August 22. In fact, he said he’s been looking forward to it all summer.
KRES officially opened its doors to welcome in the 2011-12 school year. The scenic new campus is located in the Kinder Ranch subdivision near the intersection of Borgfeld and Bulverde roads in northern Bexar County. It will relieve overcrowding at Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools.
“I’ll get to meet new people and make new friends,” said Fennen, a former Timberwood Park Elementary student. “I’ve also already run into some old friends as well. I think it’s going to be a great school year.”
Parent Jennifer Kline will have three students attend Kinder Ranch Elementary.
“We think it’s a beautiful campus; it’s really something to see,” Kline said. “The kids are very lucky to get to come to a new school like this.”
The opening of the new school highlighted the first day of school around Comal ISD, which now has a total of 26 campuses and is projected to have approximately 17,700 students by this fall.
Comal ISD was recently named a “Recognized” district by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the second straight year.
|
|
|
8/22/2011 |
News Briefs for August 22, 2011 |
News briefs this week include: five students will graduate in a ceremony that will precede the August regular school board meeting on Wednesday; Graduation will be at 5 p.m. and the board meeting will begin at 6 p.m.; An academy to prepare students for the PSAT and SAT will be on Saturdays in September; students in the Canyon Lake High School feeder schools will be accepting Rachel's Challenge in mid-September; the Comal Education Foundation awarded more than $45,000 in grant funding to all campuses in Comal ISD; and the district's annual College Fair will be Sept. 28. |
|
|
8/19/2011 |
First redistricting committee meeting set for Sept. 6 |
The Comal ISD Redistricting Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet for the first time on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Support Services Building, 1404 Interstate 35 North in New Braunfels. The public is invited. |
|
|
8/11/2011 |
Summary of information regarding Adequate Yearly Progress |
Attached please find a summary of information that briefly outlines how the No Child Left Behind's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) works and why Comal ISD missed AYP as a district this year. |
|
|
8/10/2011 |
Opening of Kinder Ranch Elementary will highlight Comal ISD’s first day of school |
The opening of new Kinder Ranch Elementary will highlight Comal ISD’s first day of school August 22.
It is located in the Kinder Ranch subdivision near the intersection of Borgfeld and Bulverde roads in northern Bexar County. The school is part of the district’s $205.85 million Bond 2008 issue. Kinder Ranch Elementary will relieve overcrowding at Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools.
Kinder Ranch will have many “green school” features such as a living roof, skylights which will provide natural lighting in the library, rainwater harvesting with on-site storage, an energy conservation system which automatically adjusts lighting in the classroom, water conservation fixtures and a geothermal heating and cooling system which uses a ground source well to heat and cool the building.
“We’re excited and ready to open the doors of this beautiful new school to all of our students,” said Dr. Judy Murray, Kinder Ranch Elementary principal. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the way our campus is going to look on the first day.”
Comal ISD, which is a Texas Education Agency “Recognized” district for the second straight year, is expecting more than 17,700 students at its 26 campuses by the late fall as the school year gets underway.
“We continue to grow at a fast rate,” said Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent. “Families are moving here for a reason and we believe it’s our quality schools. There is no denying it, though, we will have to look at building new schools soon to address this enrollment growth.”
Seven of those campuses will have new principals, including Kim Brann at Arlon Seay Elementary, Krista Moffatt at Hoffmann Lane Elementary, Murray at Kinder Ranch Elementary, Kevin Howell at Morningside Elementary, Janet Levine at Oak Creek Elementary, Teresa Rogers at Rahe Bulverde Elementary, and Jan Bettersworth at Startzville Elementary.
|
|
|
8/10/2011 |
Incoming Early College High School students invade Newk’s Tennis Ranch |
Incoming freshmen (l-r) Zane Ramirez, Bianca Angeles and Selena Sauceda try to problem solve their way to freedom out of a roped-off maze course at Newk’s Tennis Ranch on August 10.
It was part of a team-building exercise in which 103 incoming freshmen at Comal ISD’s Alamo Colleges-Memorial Early College High School (ACMECHS) participated in Eagle Camp. ACMECHS, which opened in 2010, will have sophomores and freshman on campus during the upcoming school year.
After spending one day on the ACMECHS campus and another at its Institute of Higher Education partner St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, the students wrapped up Eagle Camp at Newk’s Tennis Ranch.
There, they went through high-and low-rope zip lines and climbing courses and hiked through trails in 50 acres of wooded area where team members had to navigate using a compass.
The day was capped off by a dip in the facility’s large swimming pool.
ACMECHS principal Dr. Dolly Adams said she saw strangers become classmates right before her eyes.
|
|
|
8/8/2011 |
Comal ISD Bus Advertising Campaign Begins |
When you see Comal ISD buses this school year, it might not only invoke thoughts of the precious cargo inside but also of a veggie sub, laminate flooring or even refinancing your home.
Comal ISD has teamed up with Creer Advertising and Marketing to place advertising on its school buses.
Parents, students and community members will see the ad-laden buses for the first time when school begins on Aug. 22.
Gus Rodriguez, Comal ISD Transportation Director, said the money generated by the advertising program would go toward buying new buses.
“Everyone in this budget climate has to be creative,” Rodriguez said. “I think the more people learn about it, the more spark it’s going to create around the community. Our buses travel close to 600 square miles in Comal ISD, so it gives businesses an excellent chance to advertise across a large area and help children and schools at the same time.”
So far, Comal ISD has sold advertising to three companies: Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, Subway and San Antonio-based Flooring Perfections.
Rodriguez said ads must be age appropriate, and community and student sensitive.
|
|
|
8/3/2011 |
Comal ISD School Age Child Care Program bowls a strike at Fiesta Lanes |
The Comal ISD School Age Child Care (SACC) Summer Program is winding down but not before students invaded Fiesta Lanes in New Braunfels for some bowling fun August 3-4.
It’s part of a summer program that already has seen more than 400 students take trips to places like Splashtown and Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, as well as weekly trips to the pool at Smithson Valley High School.
SACC Summer Program students will embark on their final field trip of the summer August 10-11 at ZDT Amusement Center in Seguin.
|
|
|
8/2/2011 |
Back-to-School Season Begins |
The second week of August marks student registration at Comal ISD elementary campuses and registration and/or schedule pick-up at secondary campuses. The district website, www.comalisd.org, posts a link on the right side of the homepage that details, by campus, the times and dates of registration, as well as the documentation required. School supply lists, immunization requirements, child nutrition and bus routing information are also posted at this site.
|
|
|
8/2/2011 |
News Briefs for August 2, 2011 |
This week's briefs include: nominees sought for Comal ISD district leadership team; School board workshop slated for Aug. 10; Insurance form required for extracurricular activities; and free, reduced meals details released. |
|
|
7/29/2011 |
Teachers, students gear up for STAAR |
As students and teachers statewide prepare for the state’s new accountability instrument, State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR), this school year, the curriculum is unchanged, an important factor in relieving anxiety for students, particularly freshmen. |
|
|
7/29/2011 |
Recognized, again! |
Despite a higher standard applied this year for campus and district
ratings, Comal ISD remains a recognized district under results of the state’s accountability
system released today. |
|
|
7/26/2011 |
Lunch Money Now will make cafeteria transactions easier for parents |
Comal ISD has implemented “Lunch Money Now,” an addition to new point-of-sale software the district is using provided by Systems Design.
Systems Design specializes in food service management programs for school nutritional programs.
Lunch Money Now permits parents to access their student’s cafeteria account free of charge via the Internet.
“This will help parents have a better view of their child’s eating habits so we’re definitely excited about it,” said Phyllis Carvalho, Comal ISD Child Nutrition Senior Associate.
Parents will be able to view their student’s account balance, view and print the student’s recent purchase history and make deposits to their child’s meal account using a debit or credit card.
Deposits carry a $2.50 convenience fee and are usually credited to a student’s account within 30 minutes of the transaction.
If a parent has more than one student attending Comal ISD schools, Lunch Money Now allows deposits to multiple accounts with a single credit or debit card transaction.
Parents are also able to subscribe for e-mail warnings when their child’s account dips below a specified level.
Click on the “Child Nutrition Information” button on the right side of Comal ISD’s Internet home page for a direct link to Lunch Money Now.
The new meal prices for the 2011-12 school year will be $2.25 for elementary meals and $2.50 for secondary meals, up five cents from 2010-11.
|
|
|
7/26/2011 |
GFES teacher achieves prestigious national recognition by Apple |
Cristina Popescu, a third grade teacher at Goodwin Frazier Elementary, was recently selected to join the Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Program.
Popescu is the first-ever ADE for not only Comal ISD but in the greater San Antonio area.
Popescu joined the new ADE class of 2011 in Phoenix at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, an amazing venue for innovation and creativity. With the backdrop of the Cronkite School’s sound stages, recording studios, and the modern learning environment, ADEs from around the United States gathered for a week of collaboration with Apple Education board members and members of Apple’s cooperate offices July 17-22.
She was one of only 76 newly selected members of the ADE Program nationwide in 2011. Her induction into the ADE Program is a lifelong appointment.
|
|
|
7/26/2011 |
Insurance acknowledgement form required for athletic, extracurricular events beginning August 1 |
Parents of middle and high school Comal ISD students competing in all sports or other University Interscholastic League (UIL) extracurricular events will be required to provide health or accident insurance for their children or waive the right to do so, beginning August 1. |
|
|
7/14/2011 |
CISD Trustees OK employee retention bonus |
The Comal Board of Trustees on Wednesday unanimously endorsed a retention bonus for qualifying district employees of $750. Estimated cost is $1.5 million, which will be “swept” from the 2010-11 general fund.
In his recommendation to the board, Dr. Marc Walker, superintendent of Comal ISD, noted that the bonus is designed to offset an increase in insurance premiums and deductibles, as well as deductibles for pharmaceuticals.
|
|
|
7/11/2011 |
Comal ISD gets Sow Healthy with new three-acre garden near Canyon High |
A group of Comal ISD students will learn some valuable health lessons beginning this fall.
Instead of learning about the significance of a healthy lifestyle from a book, these students will have hands-on training.
Thanks to help from Comal ISD, the wellness company Resolute Health and many local master gardeners, a “Sow Healthy Garden” was recently built behind Canyon High School near Freiheit Road. Members of both Comal ISD and Resolute Health administration attended a media day at the garden on July 11.
This coming school year, students from both Goodwin Frazier and Freiheit elementary schools will work in conjunction with many of the community’s senior citizens to tend to the garden as the different vegetables grow.
|
|
|
7/6/2011 |
TAKS summer testing July 11-14 |
The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) high school retest will be next week at each of the district's comprehensive high schools. Students must take the TAKS retest at their home campus. All students must be present at 7:45 a.m., on the scheduled test administration date.
Monday, July 11, ELA
Tuesday, July 12, math
Wed., July 13, science
Thurs., July 14, social studies |
|
|
7/6/2011 |
Thousands attend memorial for John Farias |
Less than 24 hours after the national celebration of Independence Day, more than 2,000 people gathered at Canyon High School's Cougar Stadium to remember a fallen hero and recognize the freedom he gave his life protecting. |
|
|
7/5/2011 |
Campus administrative changes announced |
Comal ISD has announced several administrative changes, including new principals at Startzville Elementary, Oak Creek Elementary and Morningside Elementary schools. |
|
|
6/29/2011 |
School Board appoints Smith as newest trustee |
The Comal Board of Trustees on Tuesday appointed Stephen Smith, a retired certified public accountant who lives in New Braunfels, to fill the unexpired District 1 seat vacated by Carolyn Miller in April. |
|
|
6/29/2011 |
Canyon High JROTC students excel at Summer Leadership Schools |
The Canyon High School Air Force Junior ROTC program sent 30 students to Air Force JROTC Summer Leadership Schools at Schreiner University recently.
CHS student Andrew Staley earned the top honor given, the Commanders Award, at Senior Leadership School.
Fellow CHS students Kristopher Marrou, Dustin Najvar and Daniel Stanfill all earned a Distinguished Graduate Award at Cadet Staff School.
More than 300 AFJROTC cadets from high schools located throughout Central Texas participated in Senior, Basic and Cadet Staff Summer Leadership Schools.
|
|
|
6/23/2011 |
Comal ISD Summer Program students enjoy carnival atmosphere at Freiheit Elementary |
Nearly 450 students attending Comal ISD’s School Age Child Care (SACC) Summer Program gathered at Freiheit Elementary June 23 for a day of comedy, education and carnival festivities.
The event for students from grades K-5th started out with a comical skit by the Morris Brothers with a serious message about anti-bullying.
“We think it was a wonderful way to send powerful information to our students,” said SACC Director Catherine Robert. “It’s never too early to start teaching our children the importance of recognizing and preventing bullying.”
Afterward, when the games began, students enjoyed a superhero themed carnival complete with a jump castle, obstacle course, a temporary Batman tattoo palace, and stations that included arts and crafts like creating Thor hats and hammers. Students were also able to take photos with their favorite superheroes.
Later this summer, SACC students will take field trips to Fiesta Texas and the Amazing Jump in San Antonio, the ZDT Amusement Center in Seguin, and to Fiesta Bowling Lanes in New Braunfels.
Kids involved in the program also swim at Smithson Valley High School twice a week.
Pictured are (l-r) Baillie Fitzgerald, Gianna Doench and Audrey Taylor getting their vertical leap on in the jump castle, and Joey Ridge receiving a temporary tattoo from SACC Senior Associate Bea Mayo.
For information about enrolling your child in Comal ISD’s SACC Summer Program contact Elissa Pluta at 830-221-2070.
|
|
|
6/22/2011 |
Camp Invention opens young minds to fun and innovative ideas |
Although it will be quite awhile before anyone attending Camp Invention is old enough to turn in a résumé’ to the likes of Google or Microsoft, the students are well on their way to thinking like scientists or engineers.
Both Bill Brown and Specht elementary schools recently held weeklong Camp Inventions for a total of nearly 80 students.
One of this year’s themes was “W!LD: Wondrous Innovations and Living Designs” where children embarked on a on a wild animal adventure to investigate some of the most spectacular and innovative animals on the planet.
They also took part in “The Curious Cypher Club” where they worked in teams and decoded mysterious historical mathematical codes and messages.
In addition, students participated in “I Can Invent: Edison’s Workshop” where they took apart broken equipment and built a new invention, learned how to patent an invention, and built Rube Goldberg machines.
“Problem solving is so key for kids at this age,” said Denise Stout, Comal ISD teacher and camp instructor. “This camp really makes them use their higher thinking skills. I think some of the things they learn here are very eye opening. Whenever you are forced to think it’s always a good thing.”
IN PHOTOS: Camp Invention attendee Joshua Montelongo is in full concentration mode as he dismantles a VCR during “I Can Invent: Edison’s Workshop” where students took apart broken equipment and built a new invention.
Nicholas Balszczak investigates the science of atoms and molecules by doing an experiment at Camp Invention. The experiment teaches children how cool matter (like a bouncy rubber ball) is created.
|
|
|
6/21/2011 |
Comal ISD breaks ground at on future elementary school at Indian Springs subdivision |
Under a welcomed, overcast sky on Tuesday morning, Comal ISD school board members, administrators, and architects and general contractors conducted the symbolic breaking ground ceremony for the final new school of the district’s 2008 bond package.
The school will be built in the Indian Springs subdivision at the southern tip of Comal ISD, in Bexar County.
Members of the school board and Superintendent Marc Walker took a few moments to remember yesterday and look to tomorrow in terms of building needs for the district’s students.
“This area is a microcosm of what we’re seeing, not just in terms of growth,” said David Spencer, treasurer of the school board. “It’s what we’re seeing in the diverse mix of attitudes, perspectives and lifestyles.”
He noted the future students would most probably consider themselves from San Antonio, yet part of Comal ISD.
“It gives you a great sense of the unity this school district brings,” he said, emphasizing the importance of building neighborhood schools.
Spencer acknowledged that nearing the completion of the 2008 bond package was “a lot of work, but I sense the hard part is coming.”
Walker agreed on both points.
“This is the last school in this bond. It has been a long haul,” he said, warning that enrollment growth will demand “an elementary school, a couple of middle schools and a couple of high schools.”
Because of the large area of the district—nearly 600 square miles—“at some point we are going to be the largest district in the state,” Walker predicted.
David Drastata, vice-president of the school board, said that waiting for things to “get better,” is not the way to respond to the anticipated enrollment growth.
“It is incredible how our school district has responded in addressing the needs of this high growth area we live in,” he said. “And we are going to continue, in spite of the challenges and obstacles, to move forward to facilitate the growth in this district.”
In May, the school board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $15.5 million for the construction of the school. Completion is slated for the 2012-13 school year. The design is similar to Kinder Ranch Elementary School, which is scheduled to open in August, and Garden Ridge Elementary School, which opened this school year.
SHW Group is the architect and Baird/Williams Construction is the general contractor. Approximately 25 representatives of SHW, Baird/Williams and Comal ISD attended the ceremony.
The district’s demographer projects enrollment to increase by nearly 600 students, to 17,721 next year. By the time the elementary school at Indian Springs opens, enrollment is projected to be 18,421.
Pictured from left: David Spencer (Comal lSD School Board treasurer), David Drastata (Comal lSD School Board vice president), Walter Estay (SHW Group), Thomas Bloxham (Comal ISD assistant superintendent for support services), Bill Swint (Comal lSD School Board secretary), Ken Kjelland (Baird/Williams Construction), Dr. Marc Walker (Superintendent of Comal ISD) and Frank Baker (Comal lSD School Board president).
|
|
|
6/20/2011 |
News Briefs, June 20, 2011 |
News Briefs include: an invitation to the groundbreaking ceremony for the elementary school in Indian Springs subdivision and an advance for the school board meeting on June 28. |
|
|
6/14/2011 |
Students in Comal ISD’s SACC Summer Program to have season full of fun |
Students in Comal ISD’s School Age Child Care (SACC) Summer Program beat the heat by heading out early for a Bike Rodeo at Bill Brown Elementary School on June 14.
Nearly 150 students from grades K-5th zigzagged through cones, rode around a challenging circle and raced down a long straightaway on bicycles and scooters.
It’s just the beginning of what will be a fun and exciting time for kids involved in the SACC Summer Program.
Some of the activities students will be involved in during the SACC Summer Program held at Bill Brown Elementary, as well Freiheit and Specht elementary schools, include bounding about in a jump castle, holding Wii competitions, superhero-themed games, arts and crafts, science experiments and working with
Students will also get to take field trips to Fiesta Texas and the Amazing Jump in San Antonio, the ZDT Amusement Center in Seguin, and to Fiesta Bowling Lanes in New Braunfels.
Kids involved in the program also swim at Smithson Valley High School twice a week.
For information about enrolling your child in Comal ISD’s SACC Summer Program contact Elissa Pluta at 830-221-2070. Pictured are Rahe Bulverde Elementary student Sydney Sutherland and Arlon Seay Elementary student Kaden Monroe.
|
|
|
6/14/2011 |
Comal ISD's Becky Walker receives prestigious honor |
Comal ISD Director of Career and Technology Becky Walker has been selected as the 2011 Outstanding Career and Technology Administrator for Area 7.
Walker also received the same honor from the Awards Committee of the Career and Technology Association of Texas (CTAT) in 2009.
“It was a total surprise,” said Walker. “I have to give a lot of credit to the wonderful instructors we have in Comal ISD.”
Walker has been Comal ISD’s Director of Career and Technology for five years. She previously was an administrator for the Northeast ISD in San Antonio for seven years, and was a Career and Technology teacher for 16 years prior to that.
Each year CTAT honors the service of outstanding administrators and counselors for service to career and technical education.
Recipients of area awards from across the state of Texas will compete at the annual Texas Career Education Conference to be held in Dallas July 17-20th. The Outstanding Administrator of the Year and CTAT Guidance Educator of the Year selected at this event will advance to the national awards program conducted by the Association for Career and Technical Education.
Becky Walker has been a member of the Career and Technology Association of Texas for seven years and represents CTAT's Area 7, which includes Career and Technology professionals from the following counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Edwards, Frio, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, La Salle, Maverick, Medina, Real, Uvalde, Val Verde, Wilson, Zavala.
|
|
|
6/8/2011 |
Comal ISD performs at high levels on TAKS |
The preliminary results are in and Comal ISD students continue to excel on the annual Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. |
|
|
6/8/2011 |
Insurance acknowledgement form required for athletic, extracurricular events |
Parents of middle and high school Comal ISD students competing in all sports or other University Interscholastic League (UIL) extracurricular events will be required to provide health or accident insurance for their children or waive the right to do so, beginning August 1. |
|
|
6/7/2011 |
Meeting announced for nonprofit schools to participate in Comal ISD federal programs |
Private and private nonprofit schools within the Comal ISD boundaries may be eligible to participate in federal program services. |
|
|
6/7/2011 |
Student registration dates announced |
Just as summer gets under way, registration dates for campuses in Comal ISD for the 2011-12 have been announced. |
|
|
6/6/2011 |
News Briefs for June 6, 2011 |
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new elementary school at Indian Springs in Bexar County is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 at 9 a.m.; the Comal ISD school board is seeking applicants for the open District 1 position. |
|
|
6/3/2011 |
Comal ISD ready to open Kinder Ranch, break ground at Indian Springs |
Comal ISD’s newest campus, Kinder Ranch Elementary, is on schedule to open on August 22, the first day of the upcoming school year.
It is located in the Kinder Ranch subdivision near the intersection of Borgfeld and Bulverde roads in northern Bexar County. The school is one of two elementary schools left to be completed in the district’s $205.85 million Bond 2008 issue. Kinder Ranch Elementary will relieve overcrowding at Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools.
Comal ISD will break ground on elementary that will be built in the Indian Springs subdivision on the east side of Hwy. 281 off of Bulverde Road on June 21. It is scheduled to open for the 2012-13 school year.
Kinder Ranch will have many “green school” features such as a living roof, skylights which will provide natural lighting in the library, rainwater harvesting with on-site storage, an energy conservation system which automatically adjusts lighting in the classroom, water conservation fixtures and a geothermal heating and cooling system which uses a ground source well to heat and cool the building.
|
|
|
6/1/2011 |
Comal ISD employees treated to Health Fair at Canyon High |
More than 40 health and wellness booths were available to Comal ISD employees during the Summer Breeze Health Fair at Canyon High School on June 1.
The event was sponsored by the Canyon Lake and New Braunfels area Texas Retired Teachers Associations.
Area professionals provided free services that included experienced acupuncturist and massage therapists who offered stress relief strategies and techniques; allergy, blood pressure, bone density, spinal, blood sugar, body mass index and body balance screenings and assessments; vision, dental and hearing analysis; and interactive health fair booths focused on providing a personalized awareness experience.
Pictured is Canyon High child nutrition specialist Christine Davila receiving a free five-minute massage from Rosalind Guilmenot, who owns Therapeutic Massage in San Antonio.
|
|
|
5/28/2011 |
1,087 Comal ISD graduates walk the Strahan Coliseum stage |
The 1,087 students that walked the Strahan Coliseum stage on the Texas State University campus Saturday in San Marcos during three Comal ISD high school graduation ceremonies brought the district’s number of 2011 graduates to more than 1,100.
Canyon High’s graduation kicked off the joyous day beginning at 9 a.m. Smithson Valley High (1 p.m.) and Canyon Lake High (5 p.m.) followed.
SVHS totaled 449 graduates, CHS had 413 graduates and CLHS totaled 225 graduates. The Comal Academy, the district’s self-paced high school, kicked off graduation week on May 24 with 45 students receiving their diplomas.
“It’s always a wonderful occasion to see the hard work of our students bring their families and loved ones together for such an important occasion in their lives,” said Comal ISD superintendent Dr. Marc Walker. “This day doesn’t represent the end but is the beginning of many bright futures.”
All three high schools announced their valedictorians and salutatorians before commencement ceremonies on Saturday.
Canyon High’s valedictorian was Clifton Fey and the salutatorian was Zachary Williams, Smithson Valley High’s valedictorian was Kayla Oliver and the salutatorian was Alyssa Pappas, and Canyon Lake High’s valedictorian was Isabel Martin and the salutatorian was Alicia Warnecke.
“The Class of 2011 is a group of extraordinary young adults,” Oliver said during her commencement address. “We are going hundreds of different directions and pursuing hundreds of different dreams, but I have faith the Class of 2011 will continue to accomplish great things.”
Fey was also confident his classmates will thrive in the years to come.
“This is the beginning of something new and different,” Fey told the Class of 2011. “Our future is specific for each of us. We can derive strength and pride from our times in high school.”
Martin remembered the day in August 2007 when she and her then freshmen classmates helped open brand new Canyon Lake High.
“Four years ago we were all brought together,” Martin said. “We had it good. Our beautiful new school that sat on a hill. Like we were back then, we are now free to shape our own futures.”
Pictured is SVHS valedictorian Kayla Oliver receiving her diploma from Comal ISD school board immediate past president Carol Kendall Keller and CLHS salutatorian Alicia Warnecke (left) and valedictorian Isabel Martin just before they walked to the Strahan Coliseum floor for graduation ceremonies. |
|
|
5/26/2011 |
School Board begins search for new District 1 trustee |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees is accepting applications from eligible patrons
in District 1 through Monday, June 20 at 5 p.m. Carolyn Miller vacated the seat this past
April.
Eligible voters must apply with a letter of interest and résumé by June 20. A onepage
application, available from Comal ISD or by downloading from the district
website, www.comalisd.org or the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.state.tx.us, also
must be filled out and notarized. All documents must be submitted to Jeanie Mendez in
the Support Services building at 1404 IH 35 North in New Braunfels.
Eligible applicants will be interviewed by the school board at the June 28 regular
meeting at 6 p.m. The board plans to make the appointment that night with the new
board member’s first official meeting in July.
To be eligible for the vacant seat, applicants must live within the boundaries of
District 1 (see map at
http://www.comalisd.org/Board_of_Trustees/Board_District_Maps.asp), have been a
resident of Texas for at least one year and a resident of the school district for at least six
months, be a U.S. citizen, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old.
The appointed board member’s term ends May 2012. |
|
|
5/27/2011 |
New school board president Frank Baker and new District 4 representative Dale Dehlin sworn in at May 26 BOT meeting |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Thursday set a timeline for filling the District 1 seat vacated in April by Carolyn Miller. Applications will be accepted through June 20 with candidates scheduled for interview prior to the June 28 regular meeting. Pictured is Jeanie Mendez swearing in new school board president, District 3 representative Frank Baker (left) and new District 4 representative Dale Dehlin. |
|
|
5/27/2011 |
Comal Academy ceremony kicks off district’s Graduation Week |
The Comal Academy, the district’s self-paced high school, kicked off Comal ISD’s graduation week with a ceremony at Canyon Lake High. The Academy’s 45 graduates walked the stage on May 24.
“I’m very proud of each and every one of our students,” said Academy principal Karen Stevens. “They stayed the course and are now being rewarded for all their hard work.”
Academy student Eva Melendez-Velasco delivered the Address to Seniors, Kelsey Marie Guerrero gave the invocation and student Zachary Joshua Holm led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On Saturday May 28, Comal ISD will hold three graduation ceremonies at Strahan Coliseum on the Texas State University Campus in San Marcos.
Canyon High’s graduation kicks off the festive day beginning at 9 a.m. Smithson Valley High (1 p.m.) and Canyon Lake High (5 p.m.) will follow.
In all, 1,110 students are scheduled to receive their diplomas on Saturday, a record number for Comal ISD.
All three Saturday’s graduations will be streamed live via the Internet. Visit comalisd.org and click on the “Watch Graduation Live” link. In addition, the graduation ceremonies can viewed through the link on the website beginning Sunday.
|
|
|
5/26/2011 |
CHS instructors Cregier and Garcia earn top Air Force JROTC honor |
Congratulations to Canyon High instructors Major (Ret) Kevin Cregier and MSgt (Ret) Ed Garcia who were selected as two of the 2010-11 Outstanding Air Force JROTC Instructors by the program’s headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.
Only 170 of the 1,700 Air Force JROTC instructors worldwide were named to this prestigious group.
“Canyon High School faculty and students are fortunate to have these outstanding instructors on our staff,” said CHS principal Brad Brown. “Their effort in directing young men and women in discipline, leadership and excellence is what makes our Air Force JROTC program among the best of the best.”
Canyon High Air Force JROTC also earned Distinguished Unit with Merit status in 2010-11, which is the program’s highest possible distinction.
|
|
|
5/23/2011 |
Students, staff embrace last week of school |
The last week of the 2010-11 school year will be a little different than most for students and staff of Comal ISD. Students will be released early on Thursday; elementary students will be released at 2:45 p.m. and secondary students will be released at 1 p.m. On Friday, elementary students will be released at 1:15 p.m. and secondary students will be released at 11:30 a.m. Graduation festivities are listed, too.
|
|
|
5/23/2011 |
FES students get their dance groove on with Zumba fitness workout |
Students at Freiheit Elementary had their own Dance Revolution on May 19 as a Zumba instructor from the New Braunfels YMCA energized P.E. classes.
Students in grades 3-5 were able to get their bodies in motion as the gym was decked out with a disco ball and music that varied from hip-hop to salsa.
Zumba is a dance fitness system that combines Latin and International music with a fun and effective workout.
“It gave the kids a new experience and it was something to build their confidence,” said Freiheit P.E. teacher Rene Ortega. “It’s a great cardio workout that can help people of any age lose weight and stay healthy, and the kids really loved it.”
Pictured is 4th grader Daphne Aguilar leading a group of classmates in a Zumba dance. Also pictured are 4th graders Alyssa Fey (left) and Lexis Ratto strutting their stuff on the makeshift dance floor in the Freiheit Elementary gym.
|
|
|
5/23/2011 |
CSES ‘Millionaires Club’ rewarded with limo ride |
Clear Spring Elementary School has an exclusive "Millionaires Club" whose members are made up of students who read at least 1 million words in the Accelerated Reader program during the school year. This year's membership included 29 students who were rewarded with a limousine ride on May 19 with club president CSES librarian Betty Jones, who was disguised as "Amelia Nair.” The group traveled to McDonald's, which donated free ice cream sundaes.
CSES students collectively read over 98 million words and checked out more than 25,000 books. Students in this year’s CSES "Millionaires Club" include Maria Brace, Jennifer Brace, Jack Merritt, Jakeb Vest, Haley Rubey, Melissa Moore, Josh Lux, Kade Voges, Corinne Saville, Anne Citron, Jacob Zimmerman, Meg Howard, Adam Alcorta, Ricky Nieto, Hayden Nerby, Harley Johnson, Hercelia Ramirez, Trinity Voight, Alexis Rizo, Niyasha Johnson, Hayley Stroud, Brittany Ochoa, Haley Castillo, Brenda Cervantez, Samantha Serrano, Nicole Flippin, Ana Brace, Evan Wingate and Wyatt Rogers.
|
|
|
5/23/2011 |
CLHS junior headed to New York City for scientific internship |
Kirstin Maulding, a junior at Canyon Lake High School, has been accepted as a summer intern to Dr. James Hudspeth, M.D., Head of the Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience at Rockefeller University in New York City. Maulding will be working with zebra fish cells, as they have similar hair follicle cells as humans. Since zebra fish follicle cells regenerate, the purpose of the study is to find a way to regenerate human follicle cells as a means to reverse hearing damage in humans.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Kirstin,” said CLHS counselor Susan Nabors. “The topic she will be researching at Rockefeller University is so cutting edge and interesting, and the places she will get to tour while she’s in New York this summer will make it an experience she will never forget.”
|
|
|
5/23/2011 |
Comal ISD students earn Lamar Medal |
The New Braunfels Masonic Lodge presented the Lamar Medal to two distinguished seniors, twins Travis and Tyler Croom. The Lamar Medal is an award set up to be presented by local Masonic Lodges to students who have excelled academically, through leadership in extracurricular activities and volunteerism. The award is named after Mirabeau Lamar, widely recognized by historians as the Father of Public Education in Texas. “Travis and Tyler set a great example both in and out of the classroom,” said CHS principal Brad Brown. “This is a well deserved honor.” At a special meeting of the Canyon Lake Masonic Lodge recently the Lamar Medal was presented to two all-around outstanding Canyon Lake High seniors, Kate Eskridge and Dayton Cline. “We are very proud of both Kate and Dayton,” said CLHS principal Cheryl Koury. “They are great examples of what CLHS students should be both in and outside the classroom, as well as in the community.”
|
|
|
5/20/2011 |
Comal ISD students recognized for state, national achievements |
On May 19, more than 200 students from the Canyon, Smithson Valley and Canyon Lake high school feeder patterns were recognized for athletic and academic accomplishments at the state or national level during the 2010-11 school year at the CHS Performing Arts Center. Pictured is Smithson Valley High principal John Montelongo congratulating SVHS swimmer Jessica Jones who was an All-State performer in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay. The SVHS swim team coach is Kari Osborne. Also pictured is Canyon High principal Brad Brown congratulating Sydney Christenson for outstanding performance in art competition this school year. Christenson received a superior rating at the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) in April. Her art teacher at CHS is Veronica McClanahan.
|
|
|
5/19/2011 |
CHS student finishes second at national BPA event |
AJ Rice, a junior at Canyon High School, finished second in the Presentation Management competition at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference held in Washington, D.C. May 4-8.
Rice originally qualified for the national competition by finishing third at the BPA State Leadership Conference in Fort Worth in March. During the Presentation Management event students are given topics like how to be picked for an internship within the community or managing a marketing plan to open a hotel internationally. Students put together a business plan that is judged on written and presentation skills.
“We couldn’t be more excited about AJ’s accomplishments at the state and national level,” said Cathy Carpenter, CHS teacher and BPA sponsor. “He’s a young man that really has a lot of positive things going on in his life and someone who has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Business Professionals of America is the leading Career Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology and other related career fields.
|
|
|
5/19/2011 |
Four SVHS students named National Merit Scholars |
Four Smithson Valley High seniors may be on their way to becoming the next Bill Gates, M. Night Shyamalan, Stephenie Meyer or John Roberts. Whether Lauren Haney, Michael Nipper, Kayla Oliver or Ben Whitehead decide to launch their own software company, direct and write their own films, write an epic book series, or become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, they now get to follow in the footsteps of these highly successful individuals. Smithson Valley High students Haney, Nipper, Oliver and Whitehead were recently named National Merit Scholars by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Fewer than 9,000 students out of more than 1.5 million who took the Pre-SAT test as juniors are named National Merit Scholars. Four students is also the most National Merit Scholars Comal ISD has had in one school year in the 55-year history of the district.
|
|
|
5/15/2011 |
Comal ISD athletes shine at UIL state events |
Comal ISD had multiple athletes place at UIL State events last week.
Canyon High sophomore sensation Chamaya Turner won a gold medal at the Class 4A UIL State Track and Field Meet at Myers Stadium on the University of Texas-Austin campus on May 13. She earned the medal in the discus with a personal-best throw of 162-feet, 8-inches, which came on her sixth and final attempt at the event. It was just 10 inches shy of the state record set by Red Oak High’s D’Andre Carter in 2005.
Turner also won a silver medal in the shot put with a throw of 42-feet, 3.75-inches. As a freshman in 2010, Turner won a gold medal in the shot put. CHS senior Britney Carter, a University of Texas-San Antonio signee, won a bronze medal in the high jump with a leap of 5-feet, 6-inches. Glenn Gamez is the head track and field coach at CHS.
The Smithson Valley High golf team also won a bronze medal at the Class 4A UIL State Golf Tournament at Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin May 9-10. It was the first time in school history the SVHS girls golf team earned a medal at the state tournament. Pictured are golf team members (l-r) Hannah Turney, Sydney Reed, Carly Pyle, Megan Woods, and Morgan Best. The SVHS girls golf team is coached by Kelly Broussard and Julia Mathes.
|
|
|
5/18/2011 |
Graduates past and future lauded at banquet |
Comal ISD graduates past and future, nearly 50 of them, were lauded on Tuesday at the annual Jan Heckendorn Academic Recognition Banquet sponsored by the Comal Education Foundation. |
|
|
5/17/2011 |
Homestretch approaches for Class of 2011 |
The final two weeks of the public school careers of some 1,110 students in Comal ISD are under way as the Class of 2011 readies for graduation day. |
|
|
5/14/2011 |
Dehlin wins District 4 School Board seat |
Dale Dehlin of Canyon Lake has won a seat on the Comal ISD school board, representing District 4. |
|
|
5/16/2011 |
Career Day fun at Freiheit Elementary |
Students at Freiheit Elementary enjoyed listening to a wide variety of community members during the school’s Career Day on May 13. Representatives from the H-E-B Bakery, New Braunfels Sheriff’s Office, Happy Tails Pet Ranch, New Braunfels Police Department, New Braunfels Fire Department and many others volunteered their time to make it a memorable day for Freiheit Elementary students. Pictured are New Braunfels Fire Department Lt. Arlon Hansmann explaining to first grade students the many different features of a fire engine and NBFD firefighter Kevin Risner giving FES 1st grader Angelina Esquivel a boost into the cab of the impressive red truck.
|
|
|
5/12/2011 |
Parents, students embrace technology at showcase |
Technology is alive and well in Comal ISD as portrayed the past two Wednesday evenings at the district’s technology showcases. Last week, more than 1,000 parents and students attended the showcase at Smithson Valley High School (SVHS), where students in grades K-12 at SVHS’ feeder schools tested some of the gear and showed their parents some of their work that makes the most of the tool of technology in the classroom. Similarly, at Canyon Lake High School on Wednesday, parents and students by the hundreds attended the showcase. The final technology showcase will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, at Canyon High School.
|
|
|
5/11/2011 |
SVHS TSA students clean up at state |
The SVHS (TSA) came home with a bus full of awards at the state meet in Waco May 5-7. Ranger Tech students brought home 15 Best in State awards, 62 blue ribbons, 17 red ribbons and eight white ribbons. The Best in State awards came from a wide range of categories including digital photography and graphics, electronics, desktop publishing, multimedia and recycling in technology. “The thing that makes us so excited as teachers is the fact our students are using computers and software to produce real products and solve real problems,” said Scott Stoore, SVHS Career and Technological Education chair. “It’s something we see them doing now every day in our classrooms.”
Pictured with TSA sponsors Chris Nisley, Stoore and Wendall Lyons are Best In State winners: Luis Nunez, Barbara Ramirez, Eric Huynh, Michael Marinesi, Ashley Busch, Jason Brooks, John Kijanka, Sebastian Wilber, Patty Frey, Renae Lummus, Alexis Brownstone, Phil Stanley, Russell Sherrill, John G. Knight, Cole Rohde, Alex Minozevski, Jake Mayfield, Jimmy Wolfshohl, Derek Emerson, Caleb Sankey, Jacob Clifton, Taylor Redman, and Rickey Perez. Not pictured are Christopher Walker and Michaela Dominguez-Morgan.
|
|
|
5/11/2011 |
Budget dominates workshop discussion |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday again approached the precarious position of trying to make decisions based on incomplete information from Austin. During a budget workshop, the school board looked at revenue scenarios for the district, including budget shortfall targets and proposals for operations and personnel cuts. |
|
|
5/11/2011 |
Seven SVHS seniors receive Navy ROTC scholarships |
Think one school receiving six Navy ROTC scholarships in one year is impressive?
Well Smithson Valley High already had announced that total earlier in the school year, but the Rangers added one more Navy ROTC scholarship to the mix recently as Tiya Mitchell joined an impressive group that includes seniors Maxwell Terry, Andrew Franklin, Erika Castro, Justin Rivas, Lacy Rudd and Mark Elias. These students all earned scholarships worth at least $180,000. Their SVHS NJROTC instructors are Chester Martinez and Vincent Quidachay. “If the kids don’t do all they need to – have great grades, great SAT scores and a lot of community service – they have no shot at a Navy ROTC scholarships,” said Quidachay. “These students are a special group. They are the complete package. They deserve everything they have earned.”
Elias will attend Texas A&M University and major in engineering, Franklin is also attending Texas A&M and will major in aerospace engineering, Mitchell will attend the University of Houston and major in pharmacy, Terry is attending the University of New Mexico where he will major in engineering, Rudd is heading to the University of Colorado-Boulder where she will major in pathology, physiology and related sciences, Castro is planning to major in biochemistry at Rice University and Rivas will enlist in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear program.
|
|
|
5/10/2011 |
Celebration makes young authors out of Garden Ridge Elementary students |
Susie Scott didn’t hesitate when asked just how important Garden Ridge Elementary School’s Young Author’s Celebration was to her granddaughter Asha Taylor.
“This is a forum that gives children a chance to express themselves,” Scott said. “It broadens their horizons and it gives them something to reflect back on as they grow older.” The Young Author’s Celebration, which sees students from ages K-5 write, illustrate and ultimately have their book published into a hardback product, made a successful migration from Comal Elementary, which was closed last school year.
The popular event, which began through funding from a Comal Education Foundation grant nearly a decade ago, was attended by three different mayors and other city officials, Comal ISD school board members and administrators including superintendent Dr. Marc Walker, Comal County Sheriff Bob Holder, and many family members and friends of GRES students. Students invited family and community members into their classroom and read the books they authored to individuals who signed them afterward
|
|
|
5/9/2011 |
Foundation grant provides Church Hill Middle students opportunity to learn from Traveling Art Museum |
Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci invented the helicopter, the mechanical calculator and ways to harness solar power in addition to painting masterpieces like the Mona Lisa? The students in Theresa Davis’ art classes at Church Hill Middle School do thanks to a Comal Education Foundation grant “Hey, There’s an Art Museum at My School.” During different weeklong periods from March 28 until May 13, students enjoyed a massive display that featured not only an important piece of artwork from four featured artists – Georges-Pierre Seurat, Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet and da Vinci – but also different historical facts about their amazing lives on the wall in front of the school’s gym. Pictured is Davis talking to students (l-r) Madison Campbell, Mia Bean and Fatima Hernandez in front of the da Vinci display.
|
|
|
5/9/2011 |
Foundation banquet honors graduates, alumni |
Two alumni will be honored with the prestigious 2011 Comal ISD Outstanding Graduate Award during the Comal Education Foundation’s annual academic recognition banquet on Tuesday, May 17. Called the Jan Heckendorn Academic Recognition Banquet in honor of one of the Foundation’s founding members, the banquet also honors the top students at each of the district’s three comprehensive high schools. The event will be at the McKenna Events Center. |
|
|
5/9/2011 |
News Briefs, May 2-6 |
This week's news briefs include: next year's budget will be the topic of discussion during Tuesday's school board workshop, which begins at 6 p.m.; The election for District 4 will be Saturday at the Canyon Lake Golf and Country Club; and CISD has received a $2,000 loss prevention grant from the Texas Association of School Boards TASB Risk Management Fund. |
|
|
5/9/2011 |
CHS JROTC unit receives prestigious award |
The Canyon High School Air Force Junior ROTC unit has been selected as one of 200 out of 849 nationwide and overseas to earn the 2010-2011 Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award with Merit. This award recognizes Air Force Junior ROTC units that have performed above and beyond normal expectations, and that have distinguished themselves through outstanding service to their school and community while meeting the Air Force Junior ROTC mission of producing better citizens for America. This is the second time in the school’s history that the CHS earned the Distinguished Unit Award with Merit.
|
|
|
5/6/2011 |
Comal ISD STAR athletes enjoy district track and field meet |
Middle and high school students from around Comal ISD competed in the district’s season-ending STAR Track and Field Meet on May 6 at Canyon High.
Close to 100 athletes were greeted by the CHS drum line as they entered the stadium. The school’s Air Force JROTC presented the colors and CHS’ choir sang the Star Spangled Banner. Students competed in the 100-meter dash, 50-meter dash, 25-meter wheelchair race, 25-meter walk, Frisbee toss, shot put, softball throw and long jump. The event was capped off in the Cougar Den Gymnasium where every student who participated received a trophy and took a photo with members of the cheerleading squad. The award-winning Aristocats dance team also performed.
|
|
|
5/6/2011 |
Comal ISD names 2011 Teachers of the Year |
Sarah Culpepper, a kindergarten teacher in her fourth year at Rahe Bulverde Elementary School, and Kevin Howell, a language arts teacher at the Comal Discipline Center, will now advance to regionals in the Texas Education Agency’s Teacher of the Year program after being named 2011 Comal ISD Teachers of the Year in a ceremony at Canyon High on May 5. |
|
|
5/5/2011 |
SVHS Tech Showcase draws hundreds as students display incredible technology; next showcases planned May 11 at CLHS and May 18 at CHS |
Students in all grades, K-12, in the Smithson Valley High feeder pattern proudly displayed technology projects they’ve been working on all school year to more than 1,000 parents and community members at the Smithson Valley High Technology Showcase May 4. As a great bonus for attending the showcase, incredible door prizes were given away. LCD HDTV, iPad 2, Nintendo DS, eReader, iPod touch, and camcorders were among the many items up for grabs. Tech Showcases will also take place at Canyon Lake High (May 11) and Canyon High (May 18) from 6-8 p.m. |
|
|
5/3/2011 |
SVHS student Dominguez is offered nearly $1 million in scholarships |
Smithson Valley High principal John Montelongo said it all when he announced over the school’s public address system just how proud he was of one of his senior student’s accomplishments. “We have a student that’s started the million dollar club at Smithson Valley High School,” Montelongo said. “His name is Rick Dominguez.”
Dominguez, who was named a National Hispanic Scholar last fall, was offered nearly a million dollars in scholarships from schools around the nation – $930,076 to be exact.
He had offers from Auburn University and the University of Arizona totaling more than $200,000, offers from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Arizona State University and St. Mary’s University totaling another $215,000, and a host of others.
Dominguez decided to accept a full-ride scholarship to Alma College in Michigan. It’s a private school with an enrollment of just over 1,400. The scholarship offer to Alma College is worth $153,980.
|
|
|
5/3/2011 |
CLHS announces more than $2.7 million in scholarships on senior awards night |
Canyon Lake High celebrated its senior awards night on May 2, as more than $94,000 in local and close to $2.7 million in outside scholarship winners were announced.
CLHS will graduate close to 225 seniors on May 28 at Strahan Coliseum on the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos. The graduation ceremony begins at 5 p.m.
Pictured is art teacher Claudette Cozzi and Rachel Speicher (left) and Kate Eskridge. Speicher and Eskridge accepted the Captain Frank Callahan memorial scholarship. Callahan was a member of the New York Fire Department who was killed in the attacks on 9/11.
|
|
|
5/3/2011 |
Field Day Fun at Freiheit Elementary |
Freiheit Elementary School had its 3rd grade Field Day on May 2, as students played games like egg-and-spoon relay, scooter relay, musical chairs, flag tag, dodge ball and had noodle races. Freiheit Elementary P.E. teacher Renee Ortega coordinated the event, which included many volunteers and family members observing their students.
|
|
|
5/2/2011 |
News Briefs, April 25-29 |
News Briefs this week include: the school board unanimously agreed to renew the contract with Chartwells as the district's food service manager; early voting begins today in the District 4 school board race; summer camps through the district's community education program are available for registration online; and Comal ISD will send nearly $1,800 to Red Cross for the victims of Japan. |
|
|
4/29/2011 |
Three SVHS FCCLA students headed to nationals |
Smithson Valley High School FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) students competed in Houston at the State STAR (Student Taking Action with Recognition) competition in April. The 1st place winners from SVHS, Hailey Garcia (job interview category), Pyper Dunavin (interior design), and Anne Baker (interior design), will compete at the National Competition in Anaheim, California, July 9-15. Garcia is coached by SVHS teacher Ann Massey and Dunavin and Baker are coached by teacher Lori Niles.
|
|
|
4/25/2011 |
CLHS choir wins UIL sweepstakes |
The Canyon Lake High School (CLHS) varsity mixed choir won sweepstakes at the UIL concert/sight reading competition. This marks the first time in the school’s history and the first time as a varsity choir for the “superior” rating in contest performance and sight reading. The CLHS Varsity Women’s Choir and CLHS Men’s Choir both received superior ratings in sight reading, which gave the school’s choir program the most awards out of any other school in the competition. Jimmy Kritikos is the CLHS choir director.
|
|
|
4/25/2011 |
News Briefs, April 18-21 |
News Briefs this week include: the April regular school board meeting will be Tuesday at 6 p.m.; Dr. Marc Walker addresses financial limbo districts face in his latest letter to employees; Canyon Lake High School choir wins sweepstakes; and May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week. |
|
|
4/25/2011 |
SVHS girls golf team headed to state |
Congratulations goes out to the Smithson Valley High girls golf team. The Lady Rangers finished second at the Class 4A Region IV tournament at Pecan Valley Golf Course in San Antonio last week. As a result, SVHS qualified for the UIL Class 4A State Tournament at Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin May 9-10.
|
|
|
4/21/2011 |
Watch DOGS program a success in Comal ISD |
Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) invites male role models to participate at their child’s school at several Comal ISD campuses. Many dads start by working the drop-off line in the morning and welcoming kids to school. They also read in classrooms, monitor the hallways and playground, help out in the cafeteria, and assist with trash pick-up. Simply by being on campus, dads are showing that they value education, which trickles down to the students. It’s a great way for them to be involved whether it’s one day a month or once a year. Currently, Comal ISD has Watch DOGS programs at Clear Spring, Freiheit, Morningside and Oak Creek elementary schools.
|
|
|
4/21/2011 |
CHMS teachers, students receive historical gifts |
Members of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas presented a Texas flag that flew over the Alamo recently to Church Hill Middle School seventh-grade history teachers Dale Parish and Larry Levermann. In addition, the teachers were presented with books signed by authors, and replicas of important historical documents like the 1836 Texas Declaration of Independence and the 1835 Freemen of Texas proclamation. The organization’s goal is to preserve Texas history through the preservation of sites and education.
|
|
|
4/18/2011 |
News Briefs, April 11-15 |
News Briefs this week include: Intensive TAKS testing will take place the week of April 26-29, with a student and staff holiday scheduled for April 22; the Comal Education Foundation annual golf classic raised $37,000; and the parent information summit at Mountain Valley Middle School drew parents from all the feeder schools of Canyon Lake High School. |
|
|
4/15/2011 |
Comal ISD sends entries to ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair |
After competing and qualifying at the district level, and regional level, three Comal ISD students have placed at the state science fair. Two of those finished in first place, CMS’ Ritt Givens, whose project “For Appearance’s Sake” finished first in the Behavioral and Social Sciences category, and CMS’ Sean Walter’s project “Daphnia Immobilization Reveals Threshold Toxicity” (in photo) finished first in the Environmental category. Tiffany Aguilar’s project from SVMS, “Everyday Drinks,” finished third in the chemistry division. At least one student from all five Comal ISD middle schools qualified for the state ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in San Antonio. They were: Canyon Middle’s Danielle Martinez, Caroline Pawelek, Walter and Givens; Church Hill Middle’s Hailey Smalley; Mountain Valley Middle’s Duncan Coleman, Fran Carle, and Kylie Brennan; Spring Branch Middle’s Joshua Lake, Bryant Wageman and Tatyana Prieto; and Smithson Valley Middle’s John and Kevin Froboese and Aguilar. |
|
|
4/15/2011 |
Two SVHS seniors earn Lamar Medal |
At a special meeting of the Canyon Lake Masonic Lodge on March 31, the Lamar Medal was presented to two all-around outstanding Smithson Valley seniors, Danny Leal and Kate Murphy. The Lamar Medal is an award set up by the Canyon Lake Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas to be presented by local Masonic Lodges to students who have excelled academically, through leadership in extracurricular activities and volunteerism.
|
|
|
4/14/2011 |
Elementary, middle school acceleration testing dates announced |
Applications for elementary and middle school student acceleration testing are available for download at http://www.comalisd.org/Curriculum_Instruction/Accountability_Assessment.asp. Deadline is May 12. The tests will be conducted in June and August. |
|
|
4/13/2011 |
Students in RCES School Age Child Care program have exciting Spirit Week |
Rebecca Creek Elementary students in the Comal ISD School Age Child Care (SACC) program are having an exciting time celebrating SACC Spirit Week April 11-15.
Some of the themes included camouflage day, wacky socks day, San Antonio Spurs day and Hawaiian day.Here, the students are enjoying perhaps the most fun day of all, as they created their own personalized tie-dye shirts. Students used rubber bands to tie their shirts, and were then able to choose two different colored dyes to bring them to life.
|
|
|
4/13/2011 |
CSES families enjoy Fine Arts Extravaganza |
Hundreds of students and their family members enjoyed the PTA Fine Arts Extravaganza at Clear Spring Elementary School on April 12. The campus was covered wall-to-wall with artistic creations designed by students in grades K-5. Some of the art projects included sculptures, papier-mâché, pencil and marker drawings, paintings of butterflies and self-portraits. In addition, fourth-and-fifth grade students treated attendees to a music performance. The CSES art teacher is Miles Glasscock and the school’s music teacher is Sue Ann Studdard. Pictured are third-grade students (l-r) Madeline May, Garrett Glover and Katherine Metz showing off the papier-mâché fish they constructed. Also pictured is a kindergarten student Tayler Andrada’s textured dog, which was part of an assignment to create a collage using both visual and tactile texture.
|
|
|
4/13/2011 |
SVHS’ Mayfield named Class 4A Female Swimmer of the Year |
Smithson Valley High star Anna Mayfield was recently named the Class 4A Female Swimmer of the Year by the Texas Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association.
The SVHS junior sensation had a pair of exceptional performances at the UIL State Meet earlier this year, grabbing the Class 4A gold medals in both the 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke events. In the 100-yard backstroke, Mayfield set a Class 4A state record with her time of 55.63 seconds. It was the first time in school history a Smithson Valley High swimmer has won a state title.
|
|
|
4/12/2011 |
News Briefs, April 4-8 |
News Briefs this week include: A Care Van will be stationed at various campuses throughout the spring for immunizations; Dr. Marc Walker's latest letter to employees tackles the conundrum of addressing enrollment growth along with a shrinking operations budget; and Garden Ridge Elementary School is hosting a "Celebration of Young Authors" on May 10. |
|
|
4/8/2011 |
Sensational scholarships at SVHS |
Congratuations to Smithson Valley High Navy JRTOC members Maxwell Terry,
Andrew Franklin, Erika Castro, Justin Rivas, Lacy Rudd and Mark Elias who all earned $185,000 Navy ROTC scholarships. Their SVHS NJROTC instructors
are Chester Martinez and Vincent Quidachay. |
|
|
4/6/2011 |
School board mulls fund balance, future bonds |
The topic was the same, but the context was different during Tuesday’s budget workshop of the Comal ISD Board of Trustees. The school board continued its work to address a projected $16.8 million budget gap, but discussion of the use of fund balance was colored by the inevitable enrollment growth anticipated over the next decade. |
|
|
4/4/2011 |
STAR athletes help kick off Cougar Relays |
The Comal ISD STAR (Specialized Training in Athletics and Recreation) athletes continued their tradition of opening the Cougar Relays by running sprints of 50 and 100 meters on the brand new Canyon High track. Every STAR athlete who participated on April 1 earned a medal. “It’s something we greatly anticipate every year,” said Glenn Gamez, CHS head track coach. “I couldn’t think of a better way to start the Cougar Relays.” Pictured, Brandon McLean (right) gives Canyon High student-volunteer Emmanuel Ruan a high-five after finishing the 100-meter dash as fellow STAR athlete Trevor Barger looks on at the Cougar Relays.
|
|
|
4/4/2011 |
Parent meetings planned for elementary language learners |
Parent information meetings for the district's Spanish Immersion program (offered at Hoffmann Lane Elementary and Rahe Bulverde Elementary) and for the dual language program (offered at Morningside Elementary, Bill Brown Elementary and Clear Spring Elementary) are scheduled for early and mid-April. |
|
|
4/4/2011 |
News Briefs, March 28-April 1 |
News Briefs this week include: TAKS for 5th grade and 8th grade students in reading and math are today and tomorrow; Andrew Riali of Canyon Lake High School has advanced to state competition in UIL technical theater; and a parent summit for students in the Canyon Lake feeder pattern will be Thursday, April 14. |
|
|
4/1/2011 |
Kid’s Café site opens as part of CIS after-school program at CMS |
As a part of the after-school program that Communities In Schools has been providing at Canyon Middle School this school year, CIS has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank and Feeding America to host a Kid’s Café site.
Students in the Communities In Schools after-school program at Canyon Middle will each be given a snack and a full meal before they leave the program each day. The San Antonio Food Bank solicits donors to pay for the majority of the cost of the food CIS gets to feed the students in the program. A large part of the funding came from a three-year McKenna Legacy Foundation Grant. Support from the City of New Braunfels Parks & Recreation Department and the Comal County United Way also made this program possible.
|
|
|
4/1/2011 |
School board renews contracts |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Thursday unanimously agreed to renew contracts for teachers, nurses, counselors, librarians and administrators for the 2011-12 school year.
|
|
|
3/31/2011 |
Tips offered for talking to your teens |
Teen dating violence, unfortunately, is a fact of life, but a group of Mountain Valley Middle School parents learned on Wednesday some of the warning signs, as well as tips to talking with their teens. |
|
|
3/31/2011 |
SVHS students witness impact of 'shattered dreams' |
Students at Smithson Valley High School (SVHS) on Thursday morning witnessed with excruciating reality what could happen when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel of a car.
Shattered Dreams, a youth-led community collaborative program designed to educate students and parents about the serious issue of underage drinking and driving, involves a dramatization of an alcohol-related accident staged in front of the school. |
|
|
3/31/2011 |
HLES students raise big bucks for American Heart Association |
Hoffmann Lane Elementary did a tremendous job in a fund-raiser for the American Heart Association this semester. Through the Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart program, HLES students raised more than $10,000 for the American Heart Association. It was one of the top totals in the greater San Antonio area. The program’s goal is not only to raise money, but also to increase student awareness about the importance of having a healthy heart.
|
|
|
3/31/2011 |
CHS’ Moreno captures Division I state powerlifting title |
Congratulations to Canyon High’s Jeffrey Moreno (pictured), who captured the gold medal in the Division I 198-pound weight class at the State Powerlifting Meet in Abilene on March 26. He bench-pressed 340 pounds, squatted 625 pounds, and dead-lifted 620 pounds for his state-winning 1,585-pound total. Fellow Canyon High student William Cavanaugh also medaled at state, finishing fourth in the Division I 275-pound weight class with a 1,700-pound total. Also competing at state for the Cougars was Lonnie Overturf. Canyon High, which is coached by Dusty Rafferty, finished fourth overall in the Division I state team race, just behind Weslaco East, Cedar Hill, and Los Fresnos high schools.
|
|
|
3/28/2011 |
Education Foundation helps bring television monitors to school buses |
Students in Comal ISD are learning just how much fun a bus ride can be when accompanied by a NASA rocket launch or a panda and her newborn cub on the Discovery Channel. The school district now has two Bus-Ed-Safe-TV (BEST) monitors, which are 26-inch LCD televisions placed securely at the front of the bus.
The BEST monitors are easy to remove and place onto different buses so more Comal ISD students can experience the new technology.
|
|
|
3/28/2011 |
News Briefs, March 21-25 |
News briefs this week include: School Board meeting will be Thursday at 6 p.m.; campuses begin a donation drive for victims in Japan; and information meetings are scheduled for parents interested in the district's dual language program. |
|
|
3/28/2011 |
SVHS Navy JROTC team winning scholarships and drill meets |
Smithson Valley High Navy JRTOC members Andrew Franklin, Erika Castro, Lacy Rudd, Mark Elias, Justin Rivas and Maxwell Terry all earned $185,000 Navy ROTC scholarships recently. In addition, the impressive Smithson Valley High Navy JROTC students took first-place overall at the Rice University Drill Meet. The SVHS NJROTC instructors are Chester Martinez and Vincent Quidachay. |
|
|
3/22/2011 |
Campus administrative changes announced |
Comal ISD announces campus administrative changes to take place for the 2011-12 school year. |
|
|
3/21/2011 |
Breakfast in the Classroom at Morningside and Startzville |
Waffles, fruit muffins, yogurt and juice – sounds like a breakfast you’d have to go to your local IHOP for, doesn’t it? All students at Morningside and Startzville elementary schools have to do is head to their classroom in the morning. As part of Chartwells’ “Breakfast in the Classroom” program that started on March 21 at both campuses, students will now be served breakfast in their classroom as soon as they arrive at school.
|
|
|
3/21/2011 |
Pediatric Mobile Unit visits Morningside Elementary |
Christus Santa Rosa RN Lisa Zerda (right) turns the tables on Morningside Elementary RN Crissy Inmon during a quick check up before school on March 21. The CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Pediatric Mobile Unit provides preventative and minor medical services and dental screenings. Currently, the bus visits both Morningside and Startzville elementary schools bi-monthly. It services all Comal ISD students in need. The Pediatric Mobile Unit will be back at Morningside Elementary April 4, and will be at Startzville Elementary on March 30 and April 6.
|
|
|
3/14/2011 |
One contested race slated for May 14 election |
Nancy Pappas of New Braunfels and Dale Dehlin of Canyon Lake have filed for a place on the ballot to represent single-member District 4 in the May 14 Comal ISD school board election. In District 3, incumbent Frank Baker has filed for a third term on the board. |
|
|
3/11/2011 |
AC-MECHS celebrates National Early College High School Week |
Alamo Colleges-Memorial Early College High School is one of 230 early colleges nationwide that will bring together students, administrators, parents, community leaders, and legislators to celebrate Early College High School Week 2011, March 20-26. As part of the week’s activities, the school and its partners are holding “ECHS Night” on Thursday, March 24 at the AC-MECHS campus at 6 p.m. Community members and families are welcome to attend and visit with the teachers and tour the campus.
|
|
|
3/11/2011 |
News Briefs, March 7-11 |
News briefs this week include: An Open House is scheduled at Alamo Colleges-Memorial Early College High School for Thursday, March 24; and a parent summit for parents and students in the Canyon Lake High School feeder pattern will be April 14. |
|
|
3/11/2011 |
CLHS JROTC Leadership Team headed back to Washington D.C. |
If the officials in Washington D.C. ever think about naming a second national bird, they may want to consider the Hawk. For the second straight year, the Canyon High Hawks’ Leadership Team qualified for the Army JROTC Academic Championship finals of the worldwide question and answer contest. The finals will be held June 24-28 in Washington D.C. No team had a higher score in the online leadership competition than Canyon Lake High out of the 600 schools in CLHS’ JROTC region, which consists of programs in Texas, Arkansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming. Only 40 advanced to the championship finals. ROTC teams from as far away as Japan, Germany and Italy were among the more than 2,600 that began the competition at the first level.
|
|
|
3/10/2011 |
Austin Shakespeare performs World’s Fastest Hamlet at CHS |
Anyone who ever thought the works of William Shakespeare were boring certainly got a culture shock Thursday morning at Canyon High’s new Performing Arts Center.
The Austin Shakespeare troupe visited the campus and performed “The World’s Fastest Hamlet” by Tom Stoppard. Under the direction of Ann Ciccolella, they first performed Hamlet in 15 minutes and then acted out an ultra-turbo version in two minutes, and another in 10 seconds. The group performed during first through third periods at CHS and the entire student body was able to watch the production.
|
|
|
3/9/2011 |
OCES Discover Science Exhibit a hit |
Students at Oak Creek Elementary had a lot of fun proving hypothesis and building biomes recently during a campus-wide “Discover Science Exhibit.” Students in grades K-3 decorated the walls of the school with beautiful biomes ranging from oceans, deserts, rain forests, and the arctic. Fourth and fifth graders created their own science projects and were challenged to prove their hypothesis with data gathered by using the scientific method. All of the students were able to shine on the evening of March 8 when more than 200 parents and community members visited the school to observe and applaud the students’ efforts. In addition, the school’s book fair, which had a carnival theme, had many visitors. Parents and students alike enjoyed not only the books for sale, but also the free popcorn and face painting that was offered that evening.
|
|
|
3/8/2011 |
Spring Break brings precautions, advice |
Spring Break in Comal ISD is Monday, March 14, through Friday, March 18. All campuses and administrative offices will be closed. Campuses and administrative offices will reopen Monday, March 21. |
|
|
3/7/2011 |
News Briefs, Feb. 28-March 4 |
News briefs include: applications are sought for Comal ISD Outstanding Graduates; Dr. Marc Walker explains the timelines for addressing the current budget challenge; and Canyon Lake High School JROTC advances to Round 3 in competition. |
|
|
3/2/2011 |
CHMS student’s documentary qualifies for Texas History Day competition |
Church Hill Middle student Kyle Spinks probably wouldn’t have liked the classic movie “Casablanca.” The Oscar winner’s famous song “As Time Goes By” unfortunately described his experience at last year’s Regional History Fair. Spinks finished one place away from qualifying for state. Although he was discouraged for a while, Spinks ultimately turned that emotion into a passion to make it to state this year. And that’s exactly what he did. Spinks found out recently that his individual documentary about the Zimmerman Telegram, which played a key role in the United States entering World War I, earned second place at the Regional History Fair held at Judson High School on February 26. That means his documentary will advance to compete at the Texas History Day event at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and the University of Texas-Austin in May. |
|
|
3/2/2011 |
SVHS' Mayfield golden at UIL State Swim Meet |
Just 18 months after a pool was installed at Smithson Valley High, the school has a state swimming champion. SVHS junior Anna Mayfield splashed away the competition at the UIL State Swim Meet in Austin in February, winning gold in both the Class 4A 200-yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke in the event held at the Texas Swim Center on the University of Texas campus. Her time of 55.63 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke set a state record.
|
|
|
2/28/2010 |
Comal ISD receives many awards at TSPRA state convention |
Comal ISD received multiple awards for excellence in school communications at the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) annual state conference in Arlington. Comal ISD received two Best of Category honors, 14 Gold Star Awards and two Silver Star Awards. For the third straight year, Jason Gordon, Comal ISD communications specialist, received at least one Best of Category award. This year, Gordon received two Best of Category awards, both for his story, “Taking the graduation road less traveled,” about Smithson Valley High 2010 graduate Rosalina Gomez, who came to the United States from the Mexican farming community of Guanajuato in 2006.
|
|
|
2/28/2011 |
News Briefs, Feb. 21-25 |
News briefs from Feb. 21-25 include: School Board calls trustee election at Thursday's meeting; students ready for TAKS season; and kindergarten registration dates are posted on the website. |
|
|
2/25/2011 |
School Board aims to preserve teachers' jobs |
The projected budget shortfall, specifically avenues to preserve teachers’ jobs with the aid of the district’s fund balance, dominated School Board discussion on Thursday. |
|
|
2/21/2011 |
Help CHS students build a school in India during SPUD Week |
The Canyon High National Honor Society is going international, and they need your help to do it. The CHS National Honor Society has a goal of raising $8,500 to build a school in India. So far, they have raised about $2,600. It’s all part of the organization “Free the Children” and its project “Adopt a Village.” The CHS student council will team up with the National Honor Society and some of the funds raised during the school’s annual Students Performing Unselfish Deeds (SPUD) Week March 3-11 will go toward the “Adopt a Village” project.
|
|
|
2/21/2011 |
Comal ISD News Briefs Feb. 14-18 |
News briefs from Feb. 14-18 include: Applications accepted for two trustee positions, Tour Canyon High and help build a school in India, and Trustees to look at budget, hear construction report.
|
|
|
2/16/2011 |
Fund balance tops Trustee budget discussion |
By the end of the budget workshop on Tuesday, the Comal ISD School Board appeared united and ready to dedicate a portion of the district’s $57-million fund balance, or savings account, toward rescuing teaching positions. |
|
|
2/14/2011 |
District News Briefs, Feb. 7-11 |
Attached are several key news items,including: Judy Murray has been named principal of Kinder Ranch Elementary School; Monday is the first day to file for a seat on the CISD School Board; and Dr. Marc Walker details some of the proposed budget reductions for the next biennium. |
|
|
2/10/2011 |
Six Comal ISD students named National Merit Finalists |
Five students from Smithson Valley High and one from Canyon Lake High received notice that they were among only 15,000 of the 1.5 million students nationwide to be named National Merit Finalists. This designation is based on performance on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
Lloyd Cunningham, Lauren Haney, Michael Nipper, Ben Whitehead and Kayla Oliver are seniors at Smithson Valley High, and Stuart Olsen is a senior at Canyon Lake High. Olsen is the first student to earn the honor in his school’s history, and the total of five students from SVHS is the most one campus has had in Comal ISD’s 55-year history.
|
|
|
2/16/2011 |
SVHS students to present Wizard of Oz Feb. 17, 18 and 19 |
Smithson Valley High School students will open the musical “Wizard of
Oz,” in the school’s new performing arts center on Feb. 17, 18 and 19. Each night, there will be a performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. There will be a matinee on Feb. 19, beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door.
Approximately 45 students in theater, choir and band are involved in the production. Pictured are (l-r) Glenda the Good Witch of the North (Christi Jordan), the Scarecrow (Caleb Freund), Dorothy (Alexa Nichols), and the Wicked Witch of the West (Nina Howard).
|
|
|
2/7/2011 |
District News Briefs, Jan. 31-Feb. 4 |
Attached are several key news items, including: Seven campuses have earned places on the National Center for Educational Achievement 2010 Higher Performing Schools List for Texas; Dr. Marc Walker describes some of the factors contributing to the statewide budget shortfall; and the bad weather makeup day will be Monday, Feb. 21. |
|
|
2/7/2011 |
Kinder students celebrate 101st day of school |
Kindergarten students at Startzville Elementary celebrated the 101st day of the 2010-11 school year in literary style on Feb. 1 by dressing up as “101 Dalmatians.”
Pictured is Cruella de Vil (teacher Abbie Barr) reading to students Emiliano Garza and Gwenyth McCutchen. Also pictured is Aimiee Whiteman’s kindergarten class, and teacher Deanna Chapman encouraging student Robert Henderson during a lesson about the alphabet using iPods.
|
|
|
2/7/2011 |
Students enjoy Tommy Franks Museum Road Show |
Allison Millage and Dylan Larned, sixth-grade students in Bryon Gardner’s social studies class at Church Hill Middle, study a traditional dress from Eritrea, which is located in Eastern Africa. Also pictured is sixth grader Bryce Bingham looking at ceremonial drums from Kenya.It was part of the Tommy Franks Museum Road Show that Comal ISD hosted at all of its middle schools in late January and early February.
|
|
|
2/2/2011 |
Comal Budget Update |
Dr. Marc Walker, Superintendent of Comal ISD, describes the factors that have contributed to the statewide budget shortfall and corresponding budget deficit for Comal ISD for the next biennium. |
|
|
2/1/2011 |
Inspirational soldier visits Church Hill Middle |
Troy Yocum’s goal when he started walking last April was to make a difference in people’s lives. He gave Church Hill Middle seventh-grade student Wyatt Rose a thrill of a lifetime Tuesday afternoon. Shortly after Yocum addressed the entire Church Hill Middle student body, he took the time to single out Rose, who is legally blind.
|
|
|
1/31/2011 |
Early College High School - 8th grade parent info sessions Feb 1 (at CLHS), Feb 3 (at ACMECHS) and Feb 8 (at SVHS) |
Are you a parent of a current eighth-grade student? Are you interested in hearing how your student can attend our Early College High School and graduate high school with up to 60 college credit hours? Then please attend one of these Parent Information Nights at the following locations: (all three begin at 6:30 p.m.)
Canyon Lake High School on Tuesday, February 1;
AC-Memorial Early College High School on Thursday, February 3;
Smithson Valley High School on Tuesday, February 8
|
|
|
1/27/2011 |
CHS to present Annie Get Your Gun Feb. 4-7 |
Canyon High School students will present the beloved musical “Annie Get Your Gun,” Feb. 4-7 at the school’s new performing arts center. The Friday, Saturday and Monday (Feb. 4, 5 and 7) performances begin at 7 p.m. and the Sunday (Feb. 6) performance begins at 2 p.m. Presale tickets are available at the Canyon High front office during normal school hours, or can be purchased from any cast member or CHS Theatre Director April Cox. Student presale tickets are $5 and adult presale tickets are $7 each. Tickets are $10 each at the door.
|
|
|
1/27/2011 |
Five CHS students make All-State Band |
Canyon High School recently had a school-record five students named to the All-State Band. More than 100,000 students began auditioning at the district level and after regional and area rounds, fewer than 1,000 advanced to the state level.
|
|
|
1/27/2011 |
Comal Budget Update |
Dr. Marc Walker, Superintendent of Comal ISD, details the impact on the district budget of the state's projected $30 billion shortfall. Using the most liberal funding scenario, Comal ISD is preparing to cut an estimated $17.6 million from next year's budget. |
|
|
1/26/2011 |
School Board OKs elementary attendance zones |
After lengthy discussion about future enrollment growth and related construction, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved elementary school attendance zones to accommodate the opening of Kinder Ranch Elementary School and the elementary school in Indian Springs. |
|
|
1/24/2011 |
New pool has swim team firing off the starting blocks at CLHS |
Despite the fact the Canyon Lake High pool has only been open since shortly after New Year’s Day, the school’s swimmers are already making waves. With only a couple of weeks of practice time in the new pool, CLHS head coach Doug Hammen decided to take a few of the Hawks’ best swimmers to the district meet, which was held at the Palo Alto College Natatorium on Jan. 22. The Hawks' girls 200-yard freestyle relay team advanced to the regional meet, which begins on Feb. 5 at San Antonio's Josh Davis Natatorium.
|
|
|
1/24/2011 |
District News Briefs for the Week of Jan. 17-21 |
Attached are several key news items, including: Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday at 6 p.m., district website sports a new look, and three valuable tips to protect ourselves from the flu. |
|
|
1/20/2011 |
Clear Spring Elementary holds first Spelling Bee |
Twenty-five third, fourth and fifth grade students participated in the first Clear Spring Elementary Spelling Bee on Jan. 20. Students tackled tough words like gnash, nectar, multitude, desirable, envision, and quench. Fifth-grade student Niyasha Johnson won the Clear Spring Spelling Bee Championship in lucky round 13 when she correctly spelled the word narrate.
|
|
|
1/17/2011 |
District News Briefs for the Week of Jan. 10-14 |
Attached are several key news items, including: Canyon High's production of "Annie Get Your Gun" scheduled for Feb. 4-7, school board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 25, and Early Childhood Screening Feb. 17. |
|
|
1/14/2011 |
Parent/Community Summit Feb. 5 at Spring Branch Middle School; Many expert speakers scheduled |
Highly successful Smithson Valley High head football coach Larry Hill will be among the expert speakers scheduled to lead breakout sessions at the 3rd Annual Comal ISD Parent/Community Summit. The summit will take place at Spring Branch Middle School (21053 Hwy. 46 W, Spring Branch, 78070) on Saturday, Feb. 5. The event will last from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The summit is free to attend and lunch and childcare will also be provided free of charge. A Spanish translator will be present.
This year’s theme is “Building Championship Families.”
|
|
|
1/13/2011 |
Comal ISD, CHS to host 75th annual TASC conference in Arlington |
Comal ISD, through Canyon High School, is the proud host of the 75th Annual Conference of the Texas Association of Student Councils (TASC) Conference.
The conference will take place April 3-5 at the Arlington Convention Center.
It is the largest gathering of student council leaders in the country, with more than 4,500 students and advisors expected to attend.
|
|
|
1/10/2011 |
School-Based Health Center serves all students |
Comal ISD is pleased to announce the grand opening of the New Braunfels Christus Santa Rosa/Comal ISD School Based Health Center. The Christus Santa Rosa’s pediatric mobile unit will be located at Startzville Elementary School and Morningside Elementary School twice per month at each campus.
The center provides health care services to all students in Comal ISD who do not have or have limited access to health care.
At Morningside Elementary, the clinic is open every other Monday except for school holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and closed for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The phone number is 830-837-7199.
At Startzville Elementary, the clinic is open every other Wednesday except for school holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and closed for lunch between 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. The phone number is 830-885-8099.
Comal ISD school nurses are the point of contact for all SBHC referrals. More information is available by contacting Amie Ploe, Comal ISD Health Services Coordinator, at 830-221-2956, or consulting the district website, www.comalisd.org.
|
|
|
1/10/2011 |
District News Briefs for the Week of January 3-7 |
Attached are several key news items, including: Final exam schedule for secondary students, Board Recognition Month and parent/community summit information. |
|
|
1/10/2011 |
Comal ISD announces promotions, hirings |
The year 2011 opened up with a couple of promotions and two new hires for Comal ISD. |
|
|
1/7/2011 |
Comal ISD participates in First Lady’s ‘Chefs Move to Schools’ program |
Don’t be surprised if Comal ISD students are moving a bit faster in the cafeteria line in the near future. As part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign to help solve the childhood obesity problem, Mrs. Obama called on chefs to get involved by working with teachers, parents, school nutritionists and administrators to help educate kids about food and nutrition.
|
|
|
1/6/2011 |
Deadline for High School Acceleration Credit by Exam Jan. 26 |
For current Comal ISD students, Credit by Exam for Acceleration and Credit by Exam with Prior Instruction is offered twice per school year. The dates for testing for February/March, 2011 are as follows:
February 26, 2011 @ Canyon Lake High School, 7:45 am
March 5, 2011 @ Canyon High School, 7:45 am
March 26, 2011 @ Smithson Valley High School, 7:45 am
Attached is more information as well as the application form
|
|
|
1/6/2011 |
CHRISTUS Pediatric Mobile Unit visits Comal ISD |
The CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Pediatric Mobile Unit was on campus at Startzville Elementary on Jan. 5. The mobile unit will next visit Morningside Elementary in New Braunfels on Monday, Jan. 10. |
|
|
1/6/2011 |
Tooth Time Dental Clinic provides valuable service at STZES |
Students at Startzville Elementary have a reason to smile big this week as the “Tooth Time Dental Clinic” paid a visit to the STZES campus. |
|
|
12/16/2010 |
D.A.R.E graduations held across Comal ISD |
Sheriff’s Deputy Homer Balderas thinks he has one of the best jobs in Comal County. If you saw the looks on the faces of the students graduating from his Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program at Morningside Elementary on Dec. 15 it would be hard to argue with him.
|
|
|
12/8/2010 |
SVHS FFA Senior Skills team finishes second at state competition |
Congratulations to the Smithson Valley High team that finished second at the State FFA Skills Leadership Development Event. The SVHS team comprised of Kaitlyn Craft, Donnie Michalec and Taylor Walker finished second in the state Senior Skills competition held at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Dec. 3-4.
|
|
|
12/3/2010 |
Clear Spring Elementary first-ever Texas school to Rock Our World |
Clear Spring was chosen as one of only 45 schools from six continents, and is the only Texas school ever to participate in the Rock Our World project. |
|
|
12/2/2010 |
Comal ISD has one of nation’s first school district apps |
Comal ISD is proud to the announce district’s new iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch app is now available to download from the iTunes store. |
|
|
11/23/2010 |
Ribbon Cutting held for CHRISTUS School-Based Health Clinic |
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital Pediatric Mobile Unit was recently awarded a five-year grant to begin a School-Based Health Clinic in Comal County.
The grant will be administered in partnership with Comal ISD. The Pediatric Mobile Unit will act as a part-time health center at the Morningside and Startzville elementary campuses but will also be accessible to other students in the district. |
|
|
11/22/2010 |
Middle School curriculum update, secondary registration begins Dec. 6 |
The College and Career Readiness Curriculum (CCRC) in science and social studies will begin in 2011-12 for all three middle school grade levels. Math and English-Language Arts will be phased in over a three-year period from 2011-2014.
The 2011-12 school year course selections for Comal ISD middle and high school students will take place from Dec. 6 through Jan. 10, 2011, which is two months EARLIER than when course selections have taken place in the past (February). Course guides will be made available to students and parents the week of Dec. 6. |
|
|
11/19/2010 |
Comal ISD STAR sports bowls another strike |
When Linda Nemec’s son Chance was born with brain severe damage, she could have listened to the doctors that said he’d be lucky to be able to roll over by himself during his lifetime.Nemec wishes those same doctors could see her son now.
Chance couldn’t contain his smile on Nov. 19 when he received his silver medal during the award ceremonies of Comal ISD’s STAR (Specialized Training in Athletics and Recreation) Sports Program Bowling Competition at Fiesta Lanes.
|
|
|
11/15/2010 |
Canyon High softball players sign with Big 12 Conference schools |
Two of the players that helped lead the Canyon High softball team to the state tournament the past two seasons are headed to the Big 12 Conference.
Sarah Crockett signed a national letter of intent to play at Baylor University and Sara Mireles signed with Texas A&M in a ceremony at CHS. Both are seniors this year.
|
|
|
11/11/2010 |
Veterans Day ceremonies held across Comal ISD |
There may have been a few dry eyes left at Oak Creek Elementary School near the end of an emotional Veterans Day ceremony Thursday morning. But after the event concluded with a “Salute to Veterans Parade,” anyone carrying a box of Kleenex quickly became the most popular person on campus. It was one of many Veterans Day assemblies held across Comal ISD.
|
|
|
11/10/2010 |
Black Hawk helicopter lands at HLES |
Hoffmann Lane Elementary School had an event leading up to Veterans Day that no one will soon forget. An Army Black Hawk helicopter landed on the school’s soccer field on the morning of Nov. 9.
|
|
|
11/9/2010 |
Attendance zone meetings for JRES, TPES, SES, BBES families scheduled for Nov. 15, 16 |
Comal ISD will hold two public meetings in November to review and discuss attendance zone changes for the opening of Kinder Ranch Elementary in August 2011 and the opening of the elementary at Indian Springs in August 2012. Families currently enrolled in Johnson Ranch, Bill Brown, Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools will be affected and should attend one of the two meetings. A flyer in English and Spanish is located at the end of the attached news release. |
|
|
11/5/2010 |
Cougars win Wurst Food Drive |
Canyon High, with the help of all the schools in its feeder pattern, once again won the Wurst Food Drive. CHS and its feeder schools collected 8,030 pounds of food to easily eclipse New Braunfels High’s total of 1,500 pounds.
|
|
|
11/5/2010 |
Comal ISD receives 58 Gold Performance Awards |
Comal ISD received 58 Gold Performance Acknowledgement (GPA) awards from the Texas Education Agency for outstanding academic performance in 2010. Comal ISD received two of the 58 GPAs in Commended Performance: Social Studies and College Ready Graduates and a total of 22 campuses received acknowledgements. |
|
|
11/4/2010 |
Course prepares SVHS students for future occupations |
The occupational preparation course at Smithson Valley High is designed to provide students with a curriculum and practicum experience focused on developing work transition skills beyond graduation. From the looks of things this school year, the course is a shining success.
|
|
|
11/3/2010 |
November is theater month in Comal ISD |
Three Comal ISD high schools will perform fall plays this month. Canyon High School proudly presents “’Til Death Do Us Part,” Canyon Lake High will present "Teach Me How to Cry,” and Smithson Valley High will perform “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." |
|
|
11/2/2010 |
Town Hall Meetings to discuss middle school curriculum scheduled |
Comal ISD will hold “Town Hall Meetings” at Mountain Valley Middle (Nov. 8), the district’s Support Services Building (Nov. 9) and Spring Branch Middle (Nov. 10) to discuss the implementation of a College and Career Readiness Curriculum (CCRC) for all Comal ISD middle school students. Comal ISD administration and faculty will be on hand to discuss the middle school initiative with parents and community members. All three meetings are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. |
|
|
10/28/2010 |
Comal ISD celebrates Red Ribbon Week |
Campuses around Comal ISD have had daily themes this week that include favorite jersey day to team up against drugs, dress like twins day to buddy up against drugs, and crazy socks day to sock it to drugs during Red Ribbon Week. |
|
|
10/27/2010 |
SVMS teacher Cooper wins KENS5 SACU ExCEL Award |
Smithson Valley Middle School teacher Bart Cooper was honored as Comal ISD’s KENS5 San Antonio Credit Union ExCEL Award winner in a ceremony at SVMS on Oct. 26. He received the Golden Apple Award from KENS5 and a check for $1,000 from SACU. KENS5 will run a story featuring Cooper during its 6 p.m. newscast on Oct. 28. It will re-air during the station’s Oct. 30 newscast between 7:30-9 a.m.
|
|
|
10/27/2010 |
Comal ISD 2011-12 secondary-level course selections to take place Dec. 6-Jan. 10 |
The 2011-12 school year course selections for Comal ISD middle and high school students will take place from Dec. 6 through Jan. 10, 2011, which is two months earlier than when course selections have taken place in the past (February). Course guides will be made available to students and parents the week of Dec. 6. |
|
|
10/22/2010 |
Clear Spring Elementary officially dedicated |
Parents, students, teachers, and community members filled Clear Spring Elementary for the school’s dedication ceremony on Oct. 21.Comal ISD superintendent
Dr. Marc Walker officially dedicated CSES and students, led by music teacher SueAnn Studdard, entertained the crowd with songs that included
“A New Beginning” and “We are the Stallions.”
|
|
|
10/21/2010 |
Comal ISD honors National Breast Cancer Awareness Month |
Students and faculty from around Comal ISD have been doing all they can in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. |
|
|
10/21/2010 |
Attendance zone meetings for JRES, TPES, SES, BBES families scheduled for Nov. 15, 16 |
Comal ISD will hold two public meetings in November to review and discuss attendance zone changes for the opening of Kinder Ranch Elementary in August 2011 and the opening of the elementary at Indian Springs in August 2012. Families currently enrolled in Johnson Ranch, Bill Brown, Timberwood Park and Specht elementary schools will be affected and should attend one of the two meetings. A flyer in English and Spanish is located at the end of the attached news release. |
|
|
10/18/2010 |
Comal ISD earns state's highest financial rating |
The Comal ISD school board will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 28 regarding the district’s financial accountability rating of “superior achievement” under the state’s School FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) financial accountability rating system. The hearing will be held during the district’s regular board meeting on Oct. 28 beginning at 6 p.m. in the district’s board room located in the Support Services building at 1404 IH 35 North in New Braunfels. |
|
|
10/18/2010 |
Comal ISD celebrates National School Bus Safety Week |
Although Comal ISD’s director of student transportation services Gus Rodriguez is making a point to celebrate National School Bus Safety Week Oct. 18-22, he’s quick to point out safety is something his department focuses on all year long. |
|
|
10/18/2010 |
GT referral meetings to be held Nov. 2, 3 |
Comal ISD parents interested in learning more about the district’s Gifted/Talented referral and assessment process are invited to attend one of two informational meetings. Please see the attachment for the release and flyer for additional details. |
|
|
10/14/2010 |
iMentor program has successful start at CMS |
The uncomfortable silence between members of the Canyon High Key Club and students in Vanessa Brown’s English as a Second Language (ESL) class at Canyon Middle lasted all of a few seconds. It soon became very clear that a new program called “iMentor” was going to be a success.
|
|
|
10/14/2010 |
Ninety-six Comal ISD students earn AP Scholar Awards |
In recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams, 96 Comal ISD students have earned AP Scholar Awards. Forty-five of those students are from Smithson Valley High, 39 are from Canyon High, and 12 are from Canyon Lake High.
|
|
|
10/12/2010 |
Safety lessons, fun times at Startzville Elementary Bike Rodeo |
Students, parents and volunteers from the Pilot Club of Canyon Lake took advantage of great weather on Oct. 8, as countless bikes were fine-tuned for fall fun at the Startzville Elementary Bike Rodeo. |
|
|
10/7/2010 |
Garden Ridge Elementary officially dedicated |
Dozens of parents, students, teachers, community members and city officials turned out for the Garden Ridge Elementary dedication on Oct. 6. |
|
|
10/7/2010 |
Four SVHS seniors named National Hispanic Scholars |
Smithson Valley High seniors J.D. Subia, Shanna Schaefer, Richard Dominguez and Erika Castro have been named National Hispanic Scholars by the College Board’s National Hispanic Recognition Program. |
|
|
10/1/2010 |
Hundreds attend Comal ISD College and Career Fair |
If the attendance figures at the second annual Comal ISD college and career fair are any indication, the number of students in the district looking to continue their educational quest after high school is on the rise. |
|
|
10/1/2010 |
Thirteen Comal ISD students earn National Merit honors |
Of more than 1.5 million high school juniors that took the Pre-SAT test in 2009, only 16,000 were named National Merit Semifinalists. Seven of those National Merit Semifinalists were from Comal ISD high schools. Never before in the district’s 54-year history has CISD had so many elite students in the National Merit program. In addition, six Comal ISD students earned National Merit Commended status. |
|
|
9/30/2010 |
New cafeteria concept working well in Comal ISD |
It seems like a simple enough concept, but students in all grade levels have enjoyed serving themselves in Comal ISD lunch lines this school year. Don’t worry – cafeteria workers in the district didn’t go on strike. It’s all part of Chartwells’ game plan to have students eat more of exactly what they want. |
|
|
9/29/2010 |
CLHS opens convenient new school store |
Canyon Lake High librarian Nancy Hartman has helped take some of the heartache out of dashing out to buy those last-minute supplies needed for everyday school tasks as well as major school projects. The CLHS school store, located in the library, recently held its grand opening. |
|
|
9/27/2010 |
Comal ISD honored with economic impact award |
Since 2005, Comal ISD has spent nearly $400 million through two bond issues to put eight new elementary schools on the ground, renovate and expand the middle and high school campuses, buy land for future schools and much more to accommodate the growth the district has experienced. The district recently received the 2010 Economic Impact Award for New Braunfels at the Austin-San Antonio Corridor Growth Summit that took place at the New Braunfels Civic Center in September. |
|
|
9/23/2010 |
CHS JROTC students build unity at Newk’s Ranch |
Finding out exactly what roles his Canyon High JROTC students fit into is the reason CHS instructor Kevin Cregier has taken his cadets to the Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels for the last 10 years. |
|
|
9/22/2010 |
Canyon Lake High students full of homecoming spirit |
Students at Canyon Lake High are brimming with school spirit this week as the Hawks prepare to host Luling Friday night for homecoming. CLHS students are showing school pride with themes like superhero day, hat and jersey day, and wear green and gold day. |
|
|
9/16/2010 |
SVHS students save astronauts from danger |
The lives of astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Discovery and International Space Station were put into the hands of some Smithson Valley High students recently. During videoconference “Space Station Alpha” students in Misti Thueson’s AP environmental science class split into five teams that focused on communications, crisis management, the solar storm, radiation, and life support. |
|
|
9/13/2010 |
Comal ISD GT parent meetings to be held Sept. 28, 29 |
Comal ISD parents interested in the district’s Gifted/Talented program are invited to attend one of two meetings on Sept. 28 or 29 to learn more about the program, who it serves, what services are offered and much more. |
|
|
9/10/2010 |
CISD second annual career fair Sept. 30 |
On Sept. 30, all area high school students and parents are invited to attend Comal ISD’s second annual college and career fair from 6-8 p.m. at Canyon Lake High School located at 8555 FM 32 in Fischer. |
|
|
9/10/2010 |
Brooks named Comal ISD M and O Dept. Employee of the Year |
Congratulations to 2009-10 Maintenance and Operations Department Employee of the Year Brien Brooks. Brooks, a Comal ISD electrician, stood out among his peers and was recognized based on the fact he represented the highest level of efficiency and professionalism in the Maintenance and Operations Department. |
|
|
9/10/2010 |
Comal Education Foundation makes learning fun |
Fifth Graders Scott Shepherd (left) and Alex Enriquez hang pine cone bird feeders along the nature trail of the BBES Outdoor Learning Center. The Outdoor Learning Center was made possible by a 2008 Comal Education Foundation Teacher Excellence Grant. |
|
|
9/10/2010 |
Super Hero week gets students ready to read |
Students at several different Comal ISD elementary schools had a great time during Super Hero week where they checked out books and talked about how to be a superhero in the library. |
|
|
9/5/2010 |
CISD high school fall testing information, application |
For current Comal ISD high school students, Credit by Exam for Acceleration and Credit by Exam with Prior Instruction is offered twice per school year. Please see the attachment for the October dates and application. |
|
|
9/5/2010 |
CISD board approves budget, name of new elementary |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees held a public hearing at the Aug. 26 board meeting on the 2010-11 budget and tax rate in which the board proposed a $125 million general fund budget (net Chapter 41) and a six-cent increase to the debt service tax rate (raising it from 27 cents to 33 cents). No one from the community spoke during the time allotted for public participation. |
|
|
8/31/2010 |
Students loving life at new Alamo Colleges-Memorial Early College High School |
Krystyna Castro was one of approximately 750 students attending Church Hill Middle School last year. And now, she is the member of a much more exclusive club.
|
|
|
8/27/2010 |
CLHS JROTC students have amazing trip to D.C. |
Winning was on the minds of the Canyon Lake High School Army JROTC Leadership Team when it traveled to Washington D.C. this summer to compete in an online question and answer contest. What CLHS students learned during the trip took on a much broader meaning. |
|
|
8/27/2010 |
STZES students say goodbye to summer with watermelon eating contest |
Fourth graders at Startzville Elementary held a “Say Goodbye to Summer” celebration Sept. 27. During the event students had watermelon-eating and seed-spitting contests and made fruit smoothies with nutritious ingredients like bananas, blueberries, pineapple, and strawberries. |
|
|
8/27/2010 |
CLHS students to perform with rock band Foreigner |
Members of the Canyon Lake High choir are excited about being selected to perform with popular rock band Foreigner at Whitewater Amphitheater. They will sing former #1 hit “I Want to Know What Love Is” as part of network VH1’s “Save the Music” promotion, which is geared toward raising awareness of the positive impact music has in pubic schools. |
|
|
8/27/2010 |
Comal ISD students plan trip to Mars |
While many students were taking trips to the beach or mountains or floating the river at home over the summer, seniors Tara Hutchison and Alyssa Pappas were planning a trip to Mars. |
|
|
8/23/2010 |
Comal ISD opens doors to three new campuses on first day of school |
The opening of three brand new campuses highlighted the first day of school on Aug. 23 around Comal ISD. |
|
|
8/20/2010 |
Comal Education Foundation needs your support |
Help the CEF contribute with grants that go directly into classrooms to help Comal ISD teachers and students. |
|
|
8/18/2010 |
Comal ISD’s first Project LEAD a success |
Congratulations to the first graduating class in Comal ISD's Project LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Administrator Development). |
|
|
8/16/2010 |
ACMECHS students kick off school year in style |
Before heading to the Newcombe Ranch with her future high school classmates, Sharon Wasson never trusted anyone enough to be walking a tightrope more than 30 feet in the air with them. |
|
|
8/16/2010 |
Fish Camp a hit at CLHS |
Canyon Lake High senior Josh Garcia never attended a Fish Camp, but he’s sure it would have made his early days as a freshman a lot easier. That’s why Garcia and his fellow student council members were happy to assist during the CLHS Fish Camp Aug. 11. |
|
|
8/16/2010 |
Comal ISD summer program concludes with carnival |
A very successful Comal ISD School Age Child Care (SACC) summer program season came to an exciting conclusion on Aug. 11 at Johnson Ranch Elementary. |
|
|
8/11/2010 |
Comal ISD board proposes six-cent debt service tax increase |
At the Aug. 10 school board workshop, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved a proposed six-cent increase to the district’s interest and sinking (I&S) or debt service tax rate, which will raise the rate from 27 cents to 33 cents per $100 valuation for property owners if approved in September. The maintenance and operations tax rate (MandO) will remain at $1.04 per $100 valuation giving the district a total proposed tax rate of $1.37. |
|
|
8/11/2010 |
Comal ISD meets 2009-10 federal AYP standards in preliminary reports |
For the eighth consecutive year, preliminary results show Comal ISD has met the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards required by the annual federal evaluation system under the No Child Left Behind Act. Official results will be released in the fall. |
|
|
8/10/2010 |
Middle School Acceleration Testing Fall Dates Announced |
Middle School Credit by Exam Acceleration tests will be given for Comal ISD students during the week of September 7-10, 2010. Testing will be administered at the student’s home campus. The deadline for parents to request middle school acceleration testing for the Fall testing window will be FRIDAY, August 20, 2010. |
|
|
8/10/2010 |
Elementary School Acceleration Testing Dates Announced |
Elementary School Credit by Exam Acceleration tests will be given for Comal ISD students during the week of September 7-10, 2010. Testing will be administered at the student’s home campus. The deadline for parents to request elementary school acceleration testing for the Fall testing window will be FRIDAY, August 20, 2010. |
|
|
7/30/2010 |
CISD earns TEA 'recognized' rating |
Comal ISD was named a TEA (Texas Education Agency) Recognized school district for the 2009-10 school year. Of the district’s 22 campuses that were eligible for a rating, 12 campuses earned an “Exemplary” rating and 10 received a “Recognized” rating. |
|
|
7/28/2010 |
CLHS coach, students ready to jump into new pool |
It shouldn’t come as any big surprise that students are already fired up about the fact a brand new 25-yard long pool will be available on the Canyon Lake High campus around the time the 2010-11 school year begins. |
|
|
7/28/2010 |
Comal ISD student Garcia inspired at National History Day competition |
Micaela Garcia made Comal ISD history this summer, as she became the first-ever Comal ISD student to compete at the annual National History Day competition held in Washington D.C. |
|
|
7/27/2010 |
Comal ISD issues online background check for volunteers |
Beginning Aug. 2, parents and other relatives who want to attend field trips, volunteer or assist in a classroom or in a school’s Parent Resource Center, will be required to go through a Volunteer Background Check through Comal ISD’s website at www.comalisd.org. |
|
|
7/27/2010 |
Comal ISD students enjoy SVHS pool this summer |
Students in Comal ISD’s School Age Child Care (SACC) summer program continue to have a cool time this summer. |
|
|
6/29/2010 |
CHS JROTC students help in flood cleanup effort |
Members of the Canyon High Air Force JRTOC program lent a hand to New Braunfels residents Fred and Marilee Maxwell. The Maxwell’s home, which sits very close to the banks of the Guadalupe River, was flooded during heavy rains June 9. |
|
|
6/28/2010 |
Comal ISD recognizes Substitutes of the Year |
Some of Comal ISD’s unsung heroes received a nice surprise recently. |
|
|
6/28/2010 |
High school exit level TAKS retesting July 12-15 |
Comal ISD high school students who need to retake an exit level TAKS test in social studies, math, science or ELA may do so at one of the three high schools from July 12-15. Please see the attached schedule for details. |
|
|
6/28/2010 |
Comal ISD ahead of pace on construction funded by bonds 2005 and 2008 |
The bond issues, which passed by wide margins, have helped the district keep up with the tremendous growth the area has seen in recent years. |
|
|
7/28/2010 |
CISD hires CHS assistant principal |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees recently approved several new assistant principals and curriculum coordinators for the 2010-2011 school year, including an assistant principal for Canyon High School. |
|
|
6/22/2010 |
Comal ISD G/T boot camp attracts sharp minds |
Comal ISD students put their collective minds to work during the Gifted/Talented Boot Camp held at Mountain Valley Middle June 14-17. |
|
|
6/22/2010 |
CHS Air Force JROTC highly successful at Summer Leadership School |
“These cadets will be our leaders. Based on their performance we are looking forward to an awesome school year," said Major Kevin Cregier, CHS instructor.
In addition, the Canyon High School Air Force JROTC program will host its annual Freshman Training Camp, a day camp that is open to all first year student-cadets, Aug. 3-5.
For more information about the CHS Air Force JROTC Program, call Cregier or instructor Master Sgt. Ed Garcia at 830-221-2447 or 830-221-2407. |
|
|
6/21/2010 |
School Age Child Care providing fun summer break for students |
Students attending Comal ISD’s School Age Child Care (SACC) summer program are in for an exciting couple of months. |
|
|
6/17/2010 |
CHS golfer signs with St. Mary's |
Canyon High School golfer Shawn Bennett recently signed a letter of intent to continue his golf career at St. Mary’s University. |
|
|
6/15/2010 |
Camp Invention students get creative |
If you had a tendency to break things as a kid just to see what was inside, Camp Invention would have been a perfect place to spend a week. |
|
|
6/15/2010 |
TAKS math, reading retest June 29-30 |
Middle and elementary school students district-wide needing to retake the 8th grade or 5th grade math or reading portion of the TAKS can do so at Mountain Valley Middle, Bill Brown Elementary or Morningside Elementary June 29-30. |
|
|
6/9/2010 |
Free Junior Deputy Academy provides fun, life lessons to local youth |
There is a good chance some of the next generation of Comal County law officers will come from this summer’s Junior Deputy Academy. |
|
|
6/8/2010 |
Comal ISD performs at high levels on TAKS |
The preliminary results are in and Comal ISD students continue to excel on the annual Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) tests. |
|
|
6/8/2010 |
Comal ISD breaks ground on new elementary school |
Comal ISD school board members, administrators as well as county and state officials were among those on hand to help break ground on a new elementary school to be built in the Kinder Ranch subdivision. |
|
|
6/3/2010 |
Students at MVMS create 'Hawks Rise' mural |
The entire mural reads 'Hawks Rise,' which is an inspirational and character-based motto for students in the Canyon Lake High feeder pattern. |
|
|
6/1/2010 |
Graduation ceremonies a success in Comal ISD |
Comal Independent School District graduated more than 1,100 seniors this year during graduation week, May 25 – 29. |
|
|
5/27/2010 |
Nearly a decade later, Garcia walks the stage at high school graduation |
Not every one of Comal ISD’s more than 1,100 graduation stories this spring is a traditional tale. |
|
|
5/27/2010 |
Quilt project continues to thrive at MHS |
Memorial High teacher Cynthia Moore (pictured) started the Community Quilt Project six years ago to introduce her students to a sewing machine.
|
|
|
5/26/2010 |
Four alumni honored as Comal ISD Outstanding Graduates |
Four CISD alumni were honored with the prestigious 2010 Comal ISD Outstanding Graduate Award during the Comal Education Foundation’s Academic Recognition Banquet May 19.
|
|
|
5/25/2010 |
CLHS band student to play in China this summer |
Canyon Lake High sophomore Jason Wigginton has been moonlighting with his French horn this school year. |
|
|
5/20/2010 |
CISD tech showcases draw in crowds |
When Comal ISD decided to plan not just one but three Technology Showcases this spring, no one knew quite what to expect. |
|
|
5/18/2010 |
Many famous people present at RBES living wax museum |
Abe Lincoln was there along with Princess Diana and Anne Frank. Even Manu Ginobili and Cal Ripken Jr. made appearances. It was all part of Rahe Bulverde Elementary School’s third-grade wax museum on May 18.
|
|
|
5/17/2010 |
First Senior Awards Ceremony at CLHS a big success. |
Students were presented local scholarships totaling more than $100,000 and outside scholarships for more than $2 million at the event held in the CLHS auditorium on May 13. |
|
|
5/13/2010 |
CISD to hold federal program services planning meeting for private, private nonprofit schools May 18 |
Private and private nonprofit schools within the Comal Independent School District boundaries may be eligible to participate in federal program services. |
|
|
5/13/2010 |
CHMS student Garcia becomes district’s first to qualify for national history fair |
Micaela Garcia, an eighth-grader in Rodney Carter’s Pre-AP U.S. History class at Church Hill Middle School, is Comal ISD’s first-ever qualifier for the annual National History Day competition held in Washington D.C. |
|
|
5/13/2010 |
CHMS students receive authentic Civil War lesson |
Students learned about the daily life of soldiers in the infantry, cavalry and artillery units of the Army during the Civil War, including what they would carry and eat, and even how they brushed their teeth. |
|
|
5/13/2010 |
SVHS juniors pick up Ivy League awards |
The Ivy League has taken notice of a couple of impressive Smithson Valley High students. |
|
|
5/12/2010 |
SVHS TSA chapter cleans up at state competition |
The Smithson Valley High Technology Students Association (TSA) chapter could have used another bus on its ride home from the recent state competition just to haul its awards. |
|
|
5/12/2010 |
Young authors have plenty to celebrate at CES |
The next Harper Lee or John Steinbeck may very well have their passion for writing instilled at a very early age thanks to one of the first grants ever handed out by the Comal Education Foundation. |
|
|
5/11/2010 |
CISD students, employees team up for a cure |
Team Comal, a team of more than 100 Comal ISD administrators, teachers, support personnel, students, family and friends, participated in the 13th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 1 in San Antonio. |
|
|
5/10/2010 |
Comal ISD STAR Athletes compete in largest track meet of school year |
Cole Vaello repaid his mom for her unconditional love by giving her an early Mother’s Day present. |
|
|
5/9/2010 |
Swint wins CISD district 7 race |
Comal ISD incumbent Bill Swint representing Single Member District (SMD) 7 will serve a three-year term on the school board after winning the May 8 school board election. |
|
|
5/7/2010 |
Every kid's dream at CHMS |
Students raised more than $11,500 in PTA fundraising drive; earn right to throw pies at coaches and assistant principals at pep rally. |
|
|
5/6/2010 |
Comal ISD approves new SVHS principal |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of John Montelongo III as the new principal at Smithson Valley High School at the board’s May 6 board workshop. |
|
|
5/4/2010 |
SVHS student defies the odds on her way to graduation walk |
Rosalina Gomez’s educational path should have come to an end when she was 12 years old. |
|
|
4/29/2010 |
Comal ISD names teachers, support personnel of the year |
At the district’s annual employee recognition banquet held on April 28 at Smithson Valley Middle, four Comal ISD employees were surprised through the district’s teacher and support personnel of the year programs. |
|
|
4/27/2010 |
Comal ISD to hold three technology showcases in May |
The Comal ISD technology showcases will be held from 6-8 p.m. on May 4 at Smithson Valley High School, May 11 at Canyon High School, and May 12 at Canyon Lake High School. |
|
|
4/27/2010 |
Comal ISD students buckle down for TAKS week |
At Comal Elementary, students were given extra motivation before school by mascot Buster the Bobcat, who encouraged them to be a “TAKS Buster.”
|
|
|
4/26/2010 |
CHS Air Force JROTC unit, instructor earn honors |
CHS Air Force JROTC earns seventh straight Distinguished Unit Award; Instructor Edward A. Garcia wins chapter Teacher of the Year Award |
|
|
4/26/2010 |
Comal ISD names new TPES principal |
At its April board meeting, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved the hiring of Lauri Schroeder as Timberwood Park Elementary School’s new principal starting next school year. |
|
|
4/22/2010 |
HLES has reason to celebrate Public School Volunteer Week |
Volunteers helped HLES start a science club and build a garden this school year. |
|
|
4/22/2010 |
Comal ISD celebrates 40th anniversary of Earth Day |
Comal Elementary and HEB team up for environmentally-themed project |
|
|
4/21/2010 |
Comal ISD trustee election early voting starts April 26, election day May 8 |
Early voting for the annual Comal ISD Board of Trustees’ election starts April 26 and will run through May 4. Election Day is May 8. |
|
|
4/21/2010 |
Happy Administrative Professionals Week! |
Every campus needs a Linda Snider. Snider, a senior associate at Canyon High, has worked at the CHS since 1984 and is considered the school’s unofficial historian and front-office chef.
|
|
|
4/19/2010 |
CISD elementary acceleration application |
Elementary acceleration applications due May 6 |
|
|
4/19/2010 |
CISD middle school acceleration application |
CISD middle school acceleration applications due May 6 |
|
|
4/16/2010 |
CEF in need of sponsors, teams for annual golf tournament |
The Comal Education Foundation Golf Classic has found a new home this spring, and generous sponsorships and donations are still needed more than ever. The event will be held May 7 at Olympia Hills Golf Course in Universal City. |
|
|
4/16/2010 |
CHS student AJ Rice named BPA state president |
AJ Rice is only the third CHS student in history to receive the honor of being named president of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) state chapter. |
|
|
4/16/2010 |
Two CLHS athletes sign to play at collegiate level |
Canyon Lake High athletes Michelle Roberts and Ashley Pfaff signed national letters of intent on April 14 to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. |
|
|
4/12/2010 |
Huge turnout for CES farewell ceremony |
More than 300 current and former faculty and students filled the school’s library, cafeteria and gym to say farewell to the CES campus that opened in 1958. |
|
|
4/9/2010 |
Principal receives star treatment during “Careers on Wheels” day at FES |
Professionals from the New Braunfels fire and police departments, the Comal County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other local organizations visited the campus to teach students about their careers. The highlight of the day came when principal Betsy Nash landed on school grounds in a helicopter. |
|
|
4/8/2010 |
CHS students receive tools for education from Lowe's and Kobalt |
The Canyon High School automotive technology department has many more tools of the trade to work with thanks to a unique program. |
|
|
4/6/2010 |
TEA announces free SAT testing for high school juniors |
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced last week that high school juniors who are enrolled in a Texas public school district or charter school have a one-time opportunity to take one free college admissions test this year. |
|
|
4/5/2010 |
Star athletes compete at Cougar Relays |
Several Comal ISD students competed in the Star Athlete Division of the Canyon High Cougar Relays on April 1. |
|
|
4/1/2010 |
CHMS faculty, students “Rev It Up For TAKS” |
Church Hill Middle School held a pep rally to “Rev It Up For TAKS” with a little help from Gruene Harley Davidson. |
|
|
3/30/2010 |
Nearly 4,000 students, 39 teachers will benefit from the Comal Education Foundation’s 12th Prize Patrol |
Nearly 4,000 students and 39 teachers in the Comal Independent School District will benefit from $24,000 in grant money awarded by the Comal Education Foundation’s 12th Prize Patrol. |
|
|
3/30/2010 |
Comal Elementary to receive fond farewell |
Comal Elementary, which opened in 1958, will officially close its doors in May. The school will hold a community-wide farewell ceremony on April 10. |
|
|
3/19/2010 |
Comal ISD board approves administrative changes |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved several administrative positions at the regular March board meeting. |
|
|
3/18/2010 |
CLHS Army JROTC leadership team advances to nationals in Washington D.C. |
The team was one of only 48 worldwide JROTC programs that qualified to compete in the finals in Washington D.C. in June. |
|
|
3/15/2010 |
Two CISD school board seats up for election, one contested |
The annual Comal ISD Board of Trustees’ election is Saturday, May 8 and one of the two seats up for election is contested. March 8 was the last day for patrons to file for the two seats. Single-Member Districts (SMD) 6 and 7 are up for election and both incumbents filed for re-election. |
|
|
3/15/2010 |
No Bullying Zone: SVMS students send anti-bullying message with play |
Smithson Valley Middle students write and perform Beatin’ Up Bullyin’ play |
|
|
3/10/2010 |
Renovated Rahe Bulverde Elementary campus dedicated |
Everyone had bright smiles on their faces on March 9, as the renovated Rahe Bulverde Elementary was officially dedicated. |
|
|
3/8/2010 |
Comal ISD early registration for pre-K, kindergarteners to start March 15 |
Comal ISD will be registering four- and five-year-olds early for 2010-11 prekindergarten and kindergarten classes March 15-18. By state law, a child must be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1 to qualify for
kindergarten. By federal law, children must meet requirements to be eligible for prekindergarten including turn four-years-old on or before Sept. 1. In addition, students new to Comal ISD in grades Pre-K
through fifth can also register early at the scheduled locations, dates and times. |
|
|
3/4/2010 |
Great Scott! SVHS celebrates teacher’s return from Iraq |
Smithson Valley High played it’s own version of “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” recently. |
|
|
3/4/2010 |
Canyon Lake High School book fair and book swap, Now through March 10 |
CLHS is holding a book fair from now through March 10 for elementary, middle and high school students and families. The book fair will have items for adults such as cookbooks as well as for infants and toddlers such as stuffed animals and board books. On Saturday, March 6, the CLHS parent resource liaison will also hold a book-swap for parents attending the book fair with their students from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Please see the attached flyer for details. We hope to see you there! |
|
|
3/2/2010 |
Comal ISD students get creative to help kickoff Technology Showcases |
More than 200 students from elementary to the high school level entered a contest to design the art logo for the Comal ISD Technology Showcases. |
|
|
3/1/2010 |
Comal ISD hauls in awards at annual communications conference |
Comal ISD received one Best of State honor, seven Gold Star Awards and six Silver Star Awards at the Texas School Public Relations Association (TSPRA) annual state conference in Austin. |
|
|
2/26/2010 |
Students enjoy Comal County Junior Livestock Show |
Comal ISD students aplenty attend popular local livestock show. |
|
|
2/24/2010 |
Comal ISD schedules mandatory parent meetings for dual language program for kindergarteners |
Comal ISD will hold three mandatory meetings for parents interested in enrolling their child in the district's Dual Language Program. The first meeting will be held at Freiheit Elementary on Wednesday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. The other two meetings will take place at Bill Brown Elementary on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. and at Morningside Elementary on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. |
|
|
2/24/2010 |
Comal ISD middle school students enjoy Tommy Franks Museum Road Show |
Sixth-grade students at all Comal ISD middle schools were treated to a unique historical and cultural experience recently. |
|
|
2/19/2010 |
‘Family Week’ a hit at Startzville Elementary |
Many fun activities held during STZES “Take Your Family to School Week.” |
|
|
2/12/2010 |
‘Who Let the DOGS out?’ at Morningside Elementary |
A Morningside Elementary parent group called Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) act as role models at the school. |
|
|
2/12/2010 |
Reading Buddies at Arlon Seay Elementary |
Fourth graders in Kim Lyssy’s class at Arlon Seay Elementary spent the day recently reading to kindergarten students.
|
|
|
2/10/2010 |
Project LEAD helping potential administrators in Comal ISD |
Project LEAD is designed to give current Comal ISD teachers and district curriculum specialists who have their eyes on a future job as an assistant principal a better chance of being hired. |
|
|
2/8/2010 |
TPES principal to take head MVMS position in 2010-11 |
Timberwood Park Elementary principal Dr. Sean Maika will take the head position at Mt. Valley Middle School at the start of the 2010-11 school year. |
|
|
2/8/2010 |
CISD seeks outstanding graduate award nominations |
Comal ISD is seeking CISD graduates from 2000 or earlier for the thirteenth annual Comal ISD Outstanding Graduate Award. Nominations are being accepted through March 12. |
|
|
2/4/2010 |
Comal ISD Middle School History Fair Results |
Many students shine at Comal ISD History Fair held at Church Hill Middle Jan. 30. |
|
|
2/4/2010 |
Comal ISD students ready for San Antonio Stock Show experience |
In the world of showing livestock, students put in hours and hours of demanding work for a few of the most important seconds of their lives. |
|
|
2/2/2010 |
Van Gogh traveling exhibit displayed at CHMS |
Students in Theresa Davis’ art classes at Church Hill Middle study the massive Vincent Van Gogh traveling art exhibit that was on display in the school’s main hallway from Jan. 25-29.
|
|
|
2/1/2010 |
UIL realignment shakes up districts for Comal ISD High Schools |
All three Comal ISD high schools ready for new district competition starting this fall |
|
|
1/28/2010 |
Evenings of mystery, wonder and illusion for Canyon Lake High School |
Canyon Lake High senior Ray Brown will make a dramatic appearance in an empty six-foot tall chamber that fills with smoke, and will even attempt to escape from a straightjacket – a stunt that made Houdini famous, during his magic shows at CLHS on Feb. 19-20. |
|
|
1/27/2010 |
Comal ISD honors board members during School Board Recognition month |
Comal ISD is joining districts across the state to thank board members for voluntarily tackling the enormous job of governing local school districts. Comal ISD board members were honored at the Board of Trustees meeting January 28 for their tireless efforts on behalf of Comal ISD students, staff and community.
|
|
|
1/27/2010 |
Two Comal ISD school board seats up for election |
The annual Comal ISD board of trustees’ election will be held Saturday, May 8. Candidates interested in filing for one of the two seats up for election can start doing so Monday, Feb. 8. The deadline to file is Monday, March 8. |
|
|
1/27/2010 |
Canyon High AFJROTC raises funds in “Operation Haiti” relief drive |
CHS AFJROTC cadets come through for Haiti |
|
|
1/27/2010 |
Students, faculty at OCES aim to “Help Change Haiti” |
Team effort helps raise funds for Haiti |
|
|
1/27/2010 |
TEA announces TAKS test to be replaced with STAAR in 2011-12 |
Commissioner of Education Robert Scott announced that the next generation of student tests will be called the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness or STAAR. |
|
|
1/21/2010 |
Comal ISD announces administrative changes for 2010-11 school year |
With the new year comes several new administrative positions and changes in Comal ISD, which will take place starting with the 2010-11 school year. |
|
|
1/21/2010 |
CISD parents invited to attend informational meetings on new Spanish immersion program |
Starting with the 2010-11 school year, Comal ISD will offer a new Spanish Immersion Language Program at both Rahe Bulverde Elementary School and Hoffmann Lane Elementary School for all current Comal ISD kindergarten students who will be entering the first grade. |
|
|
1/21/2010 |
CISD superintendent to make recommendation for head coaching job at CHS |
At the regular January school board meeting to be held Thursday, Jan. 28, Comal ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Walker will recommend Southwest ISD’s athletic director and head football coach of Southwest High School Matt Elliott for the head football/athletic coordinator position at Canyon High School for the board’s approval. |
|
|
1/21/2010 |
Two-day free-food 'Taste of the Town' extravaganza a hit |
Comal ISD students, parents, employees and community members were able offer input on the menu items to be served in school cafeterias during the next school year during 'Taste of the Towns' at MVMS and OCES. |
|
|
1/14/2010 |
Comal County hosting free H1N1 flu clinic |
Attached is a flyer for a free H1N1 flu clinic on January 27 hosted by Comal County. Please see attachment for details. |
|
|
1/14/2010 |
Students excel at Comal ISD Middle School Science Fair |
After competing at the campus level science fairs, the top 30 projects from each
middle school participated in the Comal ISD Science Fair. |
|
|
1/14/2010 |
Videoconferencing continues to be a hit in Comal ISD |
Comal ISD students have recently enjoyed talking to representatives of the NFL Hall of Fame and NASA, as well as fourth-graders from Michigan via videoconference. |
|
|
1/7/2010 |
CHMS band ready for Alamodome; CHS band returns from Cotton Bowl |
Two Comal ISD bands perform on national stages |
|
|
1/7/2010 |
I-Spy a great project at CLHS |
Students in Elizabeth Romney’s class at Canyon Lake High will soon take a field trip and donate toy beanbag game to kids in a San Antonio children’s hospital. |
|
|
1/7/2010 |
High school Credit By Exam spring testing dates |
For current Comal ISD students, Credit by Exam for Acceleration and Credit by Exam with Prior Instruction is offered twice per school year. The dates for testing for March 2010 are listed in the attachment. The application is also included in the attachment. Students must register and pay for their exam(s) by no later than January 27. |
|
|
1/7/2010 |
Many fun, educational activities planned this spring by Comal ISD Community Ed Dept. |
GED classes, college classes, and golf, music and karate classes are just a few of the many things on the slate this spring in the world of Comal ISD Community Education |
|
|
1/4/2010 |
Rahe Bulverde Elementary opens doors to renovated campus |
Students and faculty at Rahe Bulverde Elementary received a late present when they arrived at school after the holiday break. The former Bulverde Elementary building was renovated thanks to funding from Bond 2005 and is now a two-story K-5th grade campus complete with new technology, larger classrooms, and upgrades to the library, cafeteria, theater and playground area.
|
|
|
12/19/2009 |
Comal ISD board approves academic calendars, curriculum changes |
As part of House Bill 3 (HB 3) that was effective for school districts starting Sept. 1, 2009, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved to follow the new bill starting with the freshman class of 2011-12. HB 3 no longer requires students to take Health or Technology Applications. Required PE credits will also be reduced from 1.5 credits to one credit. The board also approved academic calendars for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years. |
|
|
12/18/2009 |
CHS Aristocats exchange gifts with GFES pen pals |
Members of the award-winning CHS Aristocats dance team have been writing letters back and forth this school year with third and fourth grade girls from GFES, encouraging writing, reading, and getting a good education. |
|
|
12/17/2009 |
Many in Comal ISD community benefit from new SVHS class |
Students help out in many different ways in unique FACS class |
|
|
12/17/2009 |
D.A.R.E. graduations held across Comal ISD |
The D.A.R.E. program continues to have a strong impact on Comal ISD fifth-grade students. |
|
|
12/16/2009 |
CES students perform “How the Penguins Saved Christmas” |
Students at Comal Elementary delighted family, friends and faculty on Dec. 15 during their Holiday show, “How the Penguins Saved Christmas.”
|
|
|
12/15/2009 |
SBMS students, faculty show generosity with Angel Tree |
Hundreds of gifts gathered for needy families |
|
|
12/10/2009 |
GFES students spend day with Tony Parker |
Adventure includes surprise road trip to Parker's house. |
|
|
12/7/2009 |
Mountain Valley Middle students make priceless presents |
Students in Randy Simpson’s Technology Education class at MVMS have been busy designing and creating unique holiday gifts. |
|
|
12/7/2009 |
CHS Band to play at Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2 in new Dallas Cowboys stadium |
The Canyon High School band is scheduled to perform at halftime of the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Jan. 2, 2010. |
|
|
12/1/2009 |
ESL teachers, students thrilled about iPod Project |
The Comal ISD Middle School English Language Learner iPod Project is making a big difference district-wide. |
|
|
12/1/2009 |
Many holiday activities planned around Comal ISD |
Here is a list of the numerous holiday programs taking place in Comal ISD in December. |
|
|
11/24/2009 |
Comal ISD administration presents new rank structure to board in November curriculum report |
At the Nov. 19 board meeting, the Comal ISD Board of Trustees discussed the administration’s final recommendation on graduation plans, course alignment, class rank structure, board policy and course guide updates. Approval of the final recommendations for newly identified Pre-AP courses, new class rank point structure and policy, and Board Policy EIC (Local) will come to the board at the December board meeting. |
|
|
11/23/2009 |
Comal ISD students excel in statewide geography contest |
SVMS student wins first place, CHS student earns second place, in Geography Awareness Week poster contest. |
|
|
11/20/2009 |
Students with special needs love Comal ISD’s STAR Sports Program Bowling Competition |
More than 75 Comal ISD students earned gold, silver and bronze medals in a competition at Fiesta Lanes in New Braunfels. |
|
|
11/19/2009 |
New Comal ISD pools are a splash |
Comal ISD swim team members enjoy new campus pools
|
|
|
11/17/2009 |
RBES students show great generosity for troops in Afghanistan |
A simple suggestion by Dawn Mulder before Veterans Day would result in many gifts being sent straight from the heart to dozens of soldiers in her son’s Army unit in Afghanistan. |
|
|
11/12/2009 |
Startzville fifth graders help peers 'sail' America through class project |
Startzville fifth graders held a Sail America Expo for third and fourth graders in which students created travel agencies and prepared trips to different regions of the thirteen colonies. |
|
|
11/11/2009 |
CLHS student wins prize for film production |
Canyon Lake High senior Ray Brown’s talent has not only increased his bank account, it has also earned his school a financial bonus. |
|
|
11/11/2009 |
Comal ISD students, current and former military members celebrate Veterans Day |
Ceremonies held across Comal ISD honoring our heroes |
|
|
11/10/2009 |
Comal ISD receives 66 gold performance awards |
Comal ISD received a record 66 Gold Performance Acknowledgement (GPA) awards from the Texas Education Agency for outstanding academic performance in 2009. Comal ISD received two of the 66 GPAs, and a total of 21 campuses received the acknowledgements. |
|
|
11/10/2009 |
Comal ISD sells $55.85 million in bonds, receives upgrade in Fitch credit rating |
At the October board meeting, the board approved the sale of the remaining $55.85 million bonds from the 2008 bond issue. This year, Fitch upgraded Comal ISD’s credit rating from A+ to AA-. |
|
|
11/10/2009 |
Comal ISD awarded $608,000 Department of Defense grant |
Comal ISD was recently awarded a $608,000 federal grant from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Educational Partnership for the Promoting Student Achievement at Schools Impacted by Military Force Structure Changes grant program. |
|
|
11/10/2009 |
Arlon Seay Elementary kindergarten teacher Rachel Kaspar wins KENS5 Golden Apple ExCEL Award |
Kaspar receives "Golden Apple" and $1000 check from San Antonio Credit Union |
|
|
11/9/2009 |
They did the 'monster match:' Comal ISD elementary students use videoconferencing for collaborative project |
Classes in elementary schools across the district participated in the “Monster Match” in which each class created a monster and wrote a description of how to create that monster for their partner class. The classes used the written descriptions to recreate the other class’ monster. Both classes met via videoconference to compare and contrast their original monsters with the recreated monsters. |
|
|
11/9/2009 |
Comal ISD to hold Veterans Day Activities at many different campuses |
If you're a current or former member of the military, please attend a Comal ISD Veterans Day ceremony. |
|
|
11/4/2009 |
Speaker impacts SBMS students during Red Ribbon Week |
Students at Spring Branch Middle received a lesson during Red Ribbon Week that will benefit them for years to come. |
|
|
11/3/2009 |
Comal ISD curriculum report presented at October board meeting |
At the Comal ISD Board of Trustees regular October meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Jodi Duron provided the board with a report on district graduation plans in regard to House BIll 3, course alignment and course offerings for secondary schools, new and revised class rank structures, and board policy revisions. The attacment includes an explanation of the report as well as a powerpoint presentation given at the meeting and documents of report recommendations. Only input, not action was required by the board during this meeting. |
|
|
11/2/2009 |
Canyon Lake High Hawks Rockin' the playoff scene |
CLHS volleyball team in action Tuesday against Devine in San Antonio; Hawks football team also qualifies for postseason. |
|
|
10/28/2009 |
Wurst Food Drive between CHS and NBHS for a great cause |
Food drive will last for a week, beginning Thursday, Oct. 29. Donations will be accepted at many different schools and businesses in the area. |
|
|
10/28/2009 |
Morningside, Comal elementary schools receive ExxonMobil educational grant |
Morningside and Comal elementary schools each received a $750 educational grant from the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance that will benefit their math and science programs. |
|
|
10/26/2009 |
CISD receives 'superior' financial rating for seventh consecutive year |
Every year, Texas school districts are reviewed on their financial health through the School FIRST program. Comal ISD received a "superior achievement" rating for the seventh consecutive year. A hearing on the rating will be held at the Oct. 29 school board meeting. |
|
|
10/20/2009 |
Operation Intervention shows dangers of drunk driving to CHMS students |
Operation Intervention, run by the New Braunfels Police Department, paid a recent visit to CHMS. |
|
|
10/16/2009 |
Red Ribbon Week activities in Comal ISD |
Comal ISD campuses are planning Red Ribbon Week activities either Oct. 19-23 or Oct. 26-30. |
|
|
10/16/2009 |
CISD PTAs to sponsor seasonal flu clinics |
Several CISD school PTAs are sponsoring flu clinics for the seasonal flu shot. Please review the attachment for instructions on how to sign up, as well as for a list of times, dates and locations for the clinics. |
|
|
10/15/2009 |
Canyon Lake High Students get involved through new Interact Club |
Students will take part in volunteer efforts like gathering coats for needy adults and children, planting flowers and trees around their campus as well as below the Canyon Lake Dam, helping with clean-up efforts around town, and helping the community’s elderly population. |
|
|
10/15/2009 |
First Comal ISD district-wide College and Career Fair a hit |
More than 800 students from all four Comal ISD high schools as well as from other area high schools invaded Canyon High on Oct. 8 to visit with their choice of more than 80 representatives from universities, colleges, technical schools and military branches. |
|
|
10/14/2009 |
Austin Shakespeare Players bring unique learning experience to Comal ISD |
Thanks to a $7,500 Comal Education Foundation grant, the “Austin Shakespeare Players” paid a visit to Canyon Lake High on Oct. 13, the first of its stops at all four Comal ISD high schools. |
|
|
10/9/2009 |
Texas Army National Guard members visit Comal ISD middle schools |
Students at Canyon and Church Hill middle schools got a real life history lesson recently as local members of the Texas Army National Guard visited their campus. |
|
|
10/8/2009 |
Seventy-one Comal ISD students earn AP Scholar Awards |
Thirty-eight students from Smithson Valley High, 28 students from Canyon High and five students from Canyon Lake High are AP Scholars. |
|
|
10/8/2009 |
Comal ISD students earn national academic honors |
Several Comal ISD seniors earned National Merit and Hispanic Scholar recognition recently. |
|
|
10/7/2009 |
Two Comal ISD campuses to be dedicated on Oct.18 |
Comal ISD will dedicate its two newest campuses, Johnson Ranch and Oak Creek elementary schools, on Sunday, Oct. 18. |
|
|
10/7/2009 |
SVHS teacher, students loving new Mac lab |
When Terry Rossio spoke at the Austin Film Festival last year, Smithson Valley High teacher Chris Nisley listened. |
|
|
10/1/2009 |
Teen Leadership Conference provides valuable leadership skills to students |
Motivational speaker Albert Gonzales spreads a message of social and cultural unity to mixture of students from five high schools at conference |
|
|
9/24/2009 |
Comal ISD board-approved tax rate remains the same for 2009-10 |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees approved to keep the district’s property tax rate the same as last year’s when it adopted a $1.31 per $100 valuation tax rate at the Sept. 23 regular board meeting. |
|
|
9/23/2009 |
Canyon High students videoconference with students from Ghana, Africa |
CHS is one of only four high schools nationwide to share this unique learning experience |
|
|
9/23/2009 |
Comal ISD College and Career Fair |
Canyon High School is hosting a districtwide College and Career Fair on Oct. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. More than 80 colleges, universities and local businesses will be present. All students and parents are encouraged to attend. |
|
|
9/21/2009 |
Summit includes something for every parent |
Parents attend sessions on wide variety of topics at Comal ISD Parent Summit |
|
|
9/17/2009 |
Your friendly neighborhood bus driver |
'Miss Jean' is a friend to students and neighbors alike |
|
|
9/10/2009 |
CISD Community Education Fall Brochure |
The Community Education brochure provides patrons with a list of a variety of courses offered through the Comal ISD Community Education Department as well as lists dates, times and costs for each course. |
|
|
9/9/2009 |
Smithson Valley High FCCLA students excel at nationals |
Students bring home a gold and silver medal from summer competition |
|
|
9/8/2009 |
CISD announces high school fall acceleration testing dates |
High school Credit by Exam for Acceleration and Credit by Exam with Prior Instruction will be given on Oct. 3, 10 and 17. A non-refundable payment of $30 per semester exam is required to be paid no later than Wednesday, Sept. 16. |
|
|
9/4/2009 |
Twins aplenty at Freiheit Elementary |
FES has 10 sets of twins on campus this school year |
|
|
9/3/2009 |
CISD superintendent letter addressing President Obama's Sept. 8 speech to students |
Comal ISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Walker states in a letter to the Comal ISD community that the President's address on Tuesday, Sept. 8 will not be shown live in Comal ISD classrooms at that time. The letter is in English and Spanish. |
|
|
8/31/2009 |
CISD announces elementary, middle school fall acceleration testing dates |
Elementary and middle school Credit by Exam Acceleration tests will be given for Comal ISD students during the week of Oct. 5-9. The deadline for parents to request elementary and middle school acceleration testing for the fall testing window is FRIDAY, SEPT. 11. |
|
|
8/28/2009 |
Summer graduation ceremony held in Comal ISD |
Fourteen Comal ISD students received their diplomas during Comal ISD's summer graduation ceremony |
|
|
8/24/2009 |
First-ever day of school at two new Comal ISD campuses |
Johnson Ranch Elementary in Bulverde and Oak Creek Elementary in New Braunfels open doors to eager students. |
|
|
8/19/2009 |
Comal ISD following CDC H1N1 virus guidelines for 2009-10 school year |
Comal ISD is working closely with the CDC and state and local health departments to plan for prevention of and a response to an H1N1 virus outbreak. |
|
|
8/19/2009 |
New school zone law effective Sept. 1 |
HB 55, which will go into effect Sept. 1, makes it illegal for drivers to use a wireless communication device in a school zone unless the vehicle is stopped or a hands-free device is used. |
|
|
8/17/2009 |
Comal ISD board approves proposed tax rate |
The Comal ISD Board of Trustees voted to keep the district's proposed property tax rate at $1.31, of which 27 cents is the debt service tax rate and $1.04 is the maintenance and operations tax rate. The tax rate will be formally adopted at the Sept. 23 board meeting. |
|
|
8/12/2009 |
Morningside Elementary teacher named Region 13 'teacher of the year' |
Morningside Elementary School fifth grade teacher Madonna Binney is making history for Comal ISD as she is the district’s first-ever Teacher of the Year candidate to represent the district at the state level. |
|
|
8/12/2009 |
Comal ISD offers free and reduced meals |
Comal Independent School District recently announced its 2009-10 policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program. |
|
|
8/2/2009 |
Seventeen CISD schools receive top TEA ratings |
Seventeen CISD campuses were named TEA exemplary or recognized schools. |
|
|
7/29/2009 |
Back to school in Comal ISD |
School is almost back in session and before the ring of the first bell, Comal ISD has a few reminders for its parents and students. |
|
|
7/27/2009 |
CIS to serve 17 Comal ISD schools in 2009-10 |
CIS and Comal ISD have reached an agreement for the 2009-10 school year in which 11 CIS employees will serve 17 CISD schools. |
|
|
7/27/2009 |
Federal stimulus to fund Comal ISD salary increases |
The already board-approved salary increases will be funded as the US Department of Education recently approved for Texas School districts to receive $2 billion in federal stabilization funds. |
|
|
7/1/2009 |
Several New Immunization Requirements in 2009-10 |
Attached are the state-mandated immunization requirements for students attending Comal ISD in the fall. Students must have all immunizations up to date before school begins. |
|
|
6/26/2009 |
Comal ISD State Softball Champs Honored at School Board Meeting |
Both the history-making Canyon and Smithson Valley high school softball state championship teams were presented a plaque, which included team photos and congratulatory remarks from the school board at the June 24 meeting at the Comal ISD Support Services Building. |
|
|
6/26/2009 |
Timeline for Pre-AP and Class Rank |
On June 24, 2009, the Board of Trustees approved the Administration’s recommendation to rescind the decision of April 23, 2009 regarding revisions to the class rank point structure, effective for the 2009-2010 school year. This will allow for further study and review on this topic before a subsequent recommendation is made to implement a new class rank scale. The attached timeline will be followed in order to guide this process. The prior class rank point system will remain in effect in the interim. For questions regarding this matter, please contact Dr. Jodi Duron, Assistant Superintendent for Academics and Student Services. |
|
|
6/23/2009 |
Quartet makes history at Canyon Lake High |
When Amanda Hollek, Sinjin Horton, Jamie Parker and Tiffany Skruhak entered Canyon Lake High when it opened in the fall of 2007, the quartet didn’t intend to make school history.
That’s exactly what they did on May 27, however, as the small group became the first-ever graduates at CLHS, managing to complete their required coursework in only three years of high school.
|
|
|
6/6/2009 |
Comal ISD: Home of the State Softball Champions: Canyon (4A) and Smithson Valley (5A) |
Congratulations to the Cougarettes and Rangers on their amazing seasons. We are proud of you! |
|
|
5/27/2009 |
Flu Precautions Over Summer |
The Comal County Health Department is reminding people to be mindful of flu symptom even over the summer. |
|
|
5/22/2009 |
Graduation Week in Comal ISD begins May 26 |
Comal ISD will hand out nearly 1,100 diplomas during "graduation week" |
|
|
5/12/2009 |
Math TAKS Scores Exceed State Scores |
Fifth- and eighth-grade TAKS scores exceed state results. |
|
|
5/11/2009 |
CISD Summer Program for Children 5 to 11 |
Comal ISD's After School Program continues through the summer as an all-day program! Sign up now. |
|
|
5/9/2009 |
School Board Election Results |
Carol Keller re-elected; newcomer David Drastata beats incumbent Dan Krueger; Carolyn Miller unopposed |
|
|
5/8/2009 |
Timeline Recap of Swine Flu Closure |
A detailed timeline and reasons for the decisions reached during the swine flu scare are contained in this document. |
|
|
5/7/2009 |
Deadline for acceleration testing for elementary students extended |
Deadline for acceleration testing for elementary students extended to May 15. |
|
|
5/6/2009 |
Comal ISD FAQ Regarding Swine Flu UPDATED 5-6-09 at Noon |
Comal ISD FAQ Regarding Swine Flu and the reopening of schools and offices on May 7. UPDATED 5-6-09 at Noon |
|
|
5/5/2009 |
Comal ISD schools to reopen Thursday, May 7 |
Based on the latest guidance today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Education Agency, the Comal ISD has decided to reopen all schools and offices earlier than scheduled. Everything will reopen on Thursday, May 7th at the regular time. |
|
|
5/4/2009 |
Comal County Health Dept Ltr UPDATE, May 4 |
The Comal County Health Dept updated its recommendations regarding swine flu since its April 29 letter. |
|
|
4/29/2009 |
Comal County Health Dept. Update 4/29 |
Comal County Health Department's swine flu update 4/29. |
|
|
4/21/2009 |
School Board Election, May 9 |
Early voting in districts 2 and 5 runs April 27 through May 5. Election Day is May 9. |
|
|
4/6/2009 |
Math and Science Academies for high school students at St Philip's |
Download the document icon and learn all about the free summer academies at St. Philip's. |
|
|
4/2/2009 |
CISD students excel on TAKS reading exam |
Comal ISD students exceeded the state passing rate at all levels in 3rd, 5th and 8th grade reading. |
|
|
3/18/2009 |
Rebecca Creek Elem Receives Title 1 Performance Award |
RCES receives a Distinguished Performance Award from NCLB and TEA. |
|
|
3/9/2009 |
School Board Election Update |
Three seats are up in this year's election. Two are contested. Early voting is April 27-May 5. Election Day is May 9. |
|
|
3/9/2009 |
SVMS and SES Principals for 2009-10 Announced |
Michael Keranen will lead SVMS and Jackie Sundt will lead Specht Elementary. Read the news release for all the details. |
|
|
2/18/2009 |
Two Principal Appointments Announced |
New principals for Oak Creek Elementary and Goodwin Frazier Elementary, beginning in August, announced this week. |
|
|
2/11/2009 |
Four Schools Receive Just For the Kids Award |
Canyon Middle, Smithson Valley Middle, Specht and Rebecca Creek elementary schools receive a 2008 Just for the Kids Higher Performing Schools in Texas Award. |
|
|
1/26/2009 |
New Boundaries for New Schools in August |
Oak Creek and Johnson Ranch elementary schools open this August. With new schools come new boundaries. |
|
|
1/23/2009 |
Bonds 2005 and 2008 Update |
Construction is the theme in the Comal ISD. Projects have been completed, some are underway, and more are to come. Learn more about where we are with Bonds 2005 and 2008. |
|
|
1/23/2009 |
Two Elementary School Principals Appointed |
Johnson Ranch ES opening in Bulverde this August will be lead by Linda Harlan; the elementary in Avery Park in New Braunfels will be lead by Betsy Nash when it opens in August 2010. |
|
|
1/6/2009 |
Spring Community Education Catalog Available |
Click on the document icon here to learn about the classes and programs offered through Comal ISD's Community Education department this spring. |
|
|
12/19/2008 |
Three Students Earn State Honors in Geography Poster Contest |
At the high school level, a Canyon High student won first in the statewide geography poster contest; a Smithson Valley Middle student won first at that level; and, a Church Hill Middle student won second in the state at the middle school level. |
|
|
11/24/2008 |
MacBooks in the Classroom |
Bond 2008 is allowing CISD to upgrade its technology in the classroom. Read how the COWs (Computers on Wheels) are making a difference. |
|
|
11/19/2008 |
Johns Named KENS5 ExCEL Award Winner |
Stephanie Johns, a German teacher at Smithson Valley High School, is the district's KENS5 ExCEL Teacher of the Year. |
|
|
10/23/2008 |
Schools earn 47 Gold Performance Acknowledgements |
The number of GPAs is up from 44 last year. |
|
|
10/21/2008 |
Uniform GPA Proposal Info |
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is considering changes to the way GPAs are calculated. Read the attached 5-page document (updated on Oct. 22) to learn more. |
|
|
10/20/2008 |
Contractor Approved for Rahe Bulverde Elementary Project |
RBES is getting a new campus on the Bulverde side of the complex. FT Woods was approved as the general contractor for the project that should be complete in early 2010. |
|
|
10/16/2008 |
Fiscal Rating is Superior |
A public hearing to learn more about the district's state financial rating of superior will be held Oct. 28 at 6 pm in the board room of the Support Services building. |
|
|
10/14/2008 |
100% of Comal Schools Meet Federal AYP Standards |
For the second year in a row all Comal ISD schools, and the district, meet the Adequate Yearly Progress standards set by the federal government under the No Child Left Behind Act. |
|
|
10/8/2008 |
National Merit Semifinalist, Commended Students and More |
Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools have several seniors receiving top honors from the College Board. There are 4 news releases to this attachment. |
|
|
10/7/2008 |
Canyon High Teacher Wins Car |
Jamey Lagleder, a math teacher at CHS, has been named the school's Teacher of the Year. Chacon Suzuki of New Braunfels is awarding her a brand new SX 4 Suzuki! |
|
|
10/3/2008 |
Alvarado Named to All-American Army Band |
Abel Alvarado, a SVHS trumpet player, has been selected to the 2009 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band. |
|
|
9/29/2008 |
Three Schools to be Dedicated This Fall |
Morningside ES, Timberwood Park ES, and Mt. Valley MS will be dedicated in October or November. |
|
|
9/19/2008 |
Same Tax Rate as Last Year Adopted by Board |
Comal ISD's tax rate remains at $1.31. See attached for more details. |
|
|
9/16/2008 |
Community Education Fall Class Catalog |
All kinds of great classes are being offered this fall. Check out the attached catalog. |
|
|
8/29/2008 |
New Budget Approved Based On Current Tax Rate |
The 2008-09 budget, supported by the current tax rate of $1.31, was approved by the school board on Aug. 27 and includes pay raises for employees. |
|
|
8/1/2008 |
Recognized District; 4 Exemplary and 9 Recognized Schools |
Comal ISD is once again a Recognized district. All 10 elementary schools achieved one of the two top ratings; three middle schools are Recognized. |
|
|
7/29/2008 |
Back-to-School Highlights |
School starts Monday, Aug. 25. Here's a rundown of things you should know. |
|
|
7/29/2008 |
Teachers Receiving Mac Laptops |
Laptops and training provided to all CISD teachers as part of Bond 2008. |
|
|
7/24/2008 |
Three New Schools Opening in August |
Morningside and Timberwood Park elementary schools, and Mt. Valley Middle, will open the first day of school, Aug. 25 |
|
|
6/25/2008 |
Credit Rating Upgraded; $150 Million in Bonds to be Sold |
The school board approved the first sale of bonds after the May 2008 election and the district's credit rating has been upgraded by Moody's. |
|
|
6/5/2008 |
Bus Drivers Needed |
Download document to learn more about becoming a Comal ISD bus driver! |
|
|
5/28/2008 |
Revised School Start and Stop Times in 2008-09 |
Middle and high school start and stop times are changing Aug. 25. Elementary schools will not change. |
|
|
5/21/2008 |
Five Outstanding Alumni Honored |
Five Canyon High alumni receive the Outstanding Graduate award. |
|
|
5/20/2008 |
Preliminary TAKS Scores for Comal ISD |
Percentage passing increases; commended levels are high too |
|
|
5/16/2008 |
Barragán and Monzingo Named Teachers of the Year |
Celia Barragán and Sharon Monzingo will represent Comal ISD at the regional level. |
|
|
5/10/2008 |
Voters Approve $205.85 Million Bond Issue |
See attached document for all the details. Seventy percent of the voters approve bond issue. |
|
|
4/23/2008 |
Comal Education Foundation Awards $81,000 in Grants |
Twenty teacher grants were awarded this month by the Comal Education Foundation. |
|
|
3/26/2008 |
3rd, 5th, and 8th Grade TAKS Reading Results Are In |
CISD students performed above state average; all levels improved and commended performance rates increased |
|
|
3/4/2008 |
Rahe Bulverde Elementary Construction to Start This Fall |
RBES will be combined under one roof on the Bulverde side of the campus. Construction starts this Fall and all students will attend school on the Rahe side. |
|
|
2/20/2008 |
Bond 2008 for $205.85 million called for May 10 |
Three new elementary schools; expansions of CHS and SVHS; expansions of four middle schools; capital improvements; technology upgrades; land purchses |
|
|
12/21/2007 |
High Schools Moving to 7-period Days in 2008-09 |
Canyon and Smithson Valley high schools are moving from the block schedule to 7-period days (with a zero hour) in 2008-09. |
|
|
12/18/2007 |
2008-10 Attendance Zone Info Presentation |
The 2008-10 school boundaries have been established. View the PowerPoint presentation used during the informational boundary meetings in early December 2007. |
|
|
11/30/2007 |
Rebecca Creek Elem makes Best Public Schools List |
RCES named one of the best schools in Texas. |
|
|
10/30/2007 |
Enrollment projections and future bond issue |
The district continues to grow by about 1,000 new students a year; bond issue being discussed for 2008 |
|
|
10/26/2007 |
2008-10 Attendance Zone Update Letter |
New schools are opening in 2008 and 2009 and boundaries will be changing. See attached for details and go to About Us>Maps to view the maps. |
|
|
10/26/2007 |
Strategic Planning Update |
This PowerPoint was presented at the Oct. 24 school board meeting. The plan is still a work in progress. |
|
|
10/18/2007 |
Fiscal Rating is Superior |
Public hearing to report the district's financial rating of superior under the School FIRST program is Oct. 24. |
|
|
9/26/2007 |
Strategic Planning Mtgs Summary |
Review the ideas presented during the community strategic planning meetings. |
|
|
9/12/2007 |
CISD Initiates ParentLink Communication Tool |
System allows administrators to call all parents within minutes informing them of emergencies and non-emergencies. |
|
|
9/6/2007 |
Tax Rate Decreasing; Budget Approved |
The school property tax rate is dropping 33 cents to $1.31; board approves budget for 2007-08 |
|
|
9/4/2007 |
Almost $6 million Safe Schools Healthy Students Grant Awarded |
Comal ISD receives one of only 27 grants in the country. |
|
|
8/17/2007 |
All Schools Meet AYP |
CISD and all schools meet Adequate Yearly Progress for fifth year in a row |
|
|
8/1/2007 |
CISD School and District Ratings Released |
Of 16 schools in 2007, 2 are Exemplary and 9 are Recognized. Congrats staff and students! |
|
|
5/22/2007 |
Students continue to improve on the TAKS; outperform peers in state |
Preliminary TAKS results are in; school ratings determined this summer |
|
|
5/17/2007 |
$100,000 raised for Foundation in GVTC Golf Classic |
The 3rd annual golf classic was a success and teachers and students will benefit through classroom grants to teachers next year. |
|
|
5/7/2007 |
Teachers Receive More Than $76,000 in Grants |
20 grants are awarded by the Comal Public School Foundation |
|
|
2/16/2007 |
Foundation Delivers 20 Qwizdom Systems to Schools |
Comal Public School Foundation surprises 5th and 8th grade teachers with interactive learning systems |
|
|
9/19/2006 |
Bond 2005: Construction Project Update |
Two elementary schools are underway; groundbreaking for third one later this year |
|
|
9/12/2006 |
Fiscal Rating is Superior |
Fiscal accountability hearing, Sept. 20 |
|
|
12/13/2005 |
VOTERS APPROVE BOND ISSUE |
$189 million bond issue passes |
|
|
