YOUR SCHOOLS

February 2012

P O R T N E C H E S – G R O V E S I S D

Groves Elementary Families Enjoy Reading Together

Groves Elementary had another very successful Accelerated Reader (AR) Night at the beginning of the year. This is a time when our students can bring a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or the whole family to the school and spend time reading AR books together. The computer lab is open and students are allowed to take tests on the AR books they have just read with their family member(s). This program is to promote reading to our students and to get the whole family involved in the helping the student be successful in reading AR. Through the year we have incentives for students who meet the AR Reading minimal requirements. There are reward incentives each six weeks and a large event at the end of each semester. Recently several students who earned at least these minimum requirements went off campus to the bowling alley for bowling, dancing, and to have lunch. Congratulations to all of the students who met the goal and attended the bowling field trip, keep up the good work and we’ll see you and hopefully many more on the water park field trip at the end of the year!

Goals • Attitude • Morals • Excellence Performing exciting and unbelievable skills with basketballs and sharing an enthusiastic message of hope and inspiration with the students and faculty of Groves Elementary was Tanya Crevier from Enthusiasm International. Our students were in awe as they watched, and some students/faculty even participated, as Tanya used her amazing skills to share her encouraging and motivational message with the students. Her message to our students was one of making the right choices where it really counts...in the game of LIFE!

Groves Elementary Happenings Fundraiser Top Seller

Pictured left is this year’s top seller in our fall fundraiser. His hard work paid off when he was awarded this very cool robot! Thank you to all of the parents, family members, friends, and neighbors who help support the students at Groves Elementary with your participation in our fundraiser events. These

funds are so helpful in providing needed materials, supplies, or equipment to make our school the best it can be.

New - Distance Learning The faculty and students have put the new distance learning equipment to good use. Pictured here are the students in Mrs. Ferguson’s 4th grade class watching a session called “Awesome Opossum”. The students are captured by a wonderful visual of what they are being taught about habitations, adaptations, survival and much more on the different species they study. Distance Learning is available in all subject areas. Some other sessions that have been attended by one or more classes are “Bats,” “A Day on the Dairy Farm,” and one that was sponsored by the Region V Education Service Center just for schools in our area for Christmas. At this session the students sang “The Twelve Days of Christmas” interactively with other schools, did a coloring project, then read the book “The Perfect Christmas Tree” all together and answered questions as they were called on by the facilitator. This was the first, of hopefully many more, interactive sessions that our students participated in. In February most of the GE student body will listen live as former first lady, Barbara Bush reads a book to

students all across America.

Holiday Revue The GE Treble Tribe Singers and 5th Grade Rockin’ Recorders led by Mrs. Alisa Bell, once again “Wowed” their parents, friends, families, and the students and faculty of GE with a fantastic Christmas performance with some very creative versions of some timeless classics. Great job kids and Mrs. Bell!

Port Neches Elementary Happenings

Exxon Mobil Grant Port Neches Elementary recently received a $500.00 grant from ExxonMobil which was sponsored by Hello Food Mart located at 1309 Magnolia in Port Neches. This money will go towards science lab equipment for our fourth and fifth graders to use for experiments.

Port Neches Elementary wishes a big Happy Birthday to Mrs. Davis, our crossing guard.

Pictured from left to right front row: Kaden Lumpkin, Heagan Holmes and Addison Yanta. Pictured from left to right back row: Lynn Fazio, TRI-CON, Inc. spokesman, Joseph Hauck, Kainat Aziz, and Principal Amy Gil.

212 4th and 5th graders who achieved their Accelerated Reader goals enjoyed an afternoon of playing on Moon Walks in the gym.

PNE’s best played board games in their pajamas. Having great conduct, no late work, and

attending tutorials if needed, qualified these students for a great time.

PTA’s Secret Santa Shop winner! Alyssa Kruger from Denise White’s class was the winner of PTA’s Secret Santa Shop. It was a huge success! We appreciate our PTA and all they do for our school.

Rainbow Room

PNE students and staff gave generously to the Rainbow Room. Classroom Christmas trees had lots of baby and children items under them to help those in need. Donations stock the shelves of Rainbow Room so case workers can help women and children during difficult times. Thanks PNE for making a difference. Mr. Jolly Mr. Jolly, retired Air Force, is part of our custodial staff at PNE. He is a great resource for our students in the classroom. He is pictured in Christy Smith’s room teaching our 4th graders. He made a mountable circuit board at home and taught the students about electricity and circuits including series and parallel circuits. He also discussed safety with the students. Thank you to Mr. Jolly for all you do.

Ridgewood Elementary Happenings

Reflections Competition PTA held the annual reflections competition to encourage creativity in our students. The theme this year was “Diversity.” Many Ridgewood students participated with art work of all kinds, including photographs, paintings, and writings. Several students’ work was selected to advance to the district level. We were very proud of our creative kids.

Second Graders Decorate Christmas Tree for the Community Students in Lisa Segura’s second grade class enjoyed an after-school community Christmas project. Students met at Central Mall and decorated a Christmas tree. The theme of the tree was “Rudolph”, shining brightly with red lights, glittery ornaments with the kids’ pictures and poinsettias on the tree’s skirt. This tree remained beautifully on display at Central Mall. They even got to end the fun project with a delicious big cookie from the Cookie Company!

Ridgewood Third Graders Go Caroling! Our third grade students brought their beautiful voices and bright, smiling faces to HEB to share Christmas carols. Many shoppers and HEB staff stopped to listen. The kids were treated to cookies and punch after the performance.

HEB Feast of Sharing Ridgewood Receives Check! Some Ridgewood students and faculty volunteered their time feeding the hungry at HEB Feast of Sharing at Ford Park.

Thanks to Express Mart and Tri-Con Services, Ridgewood received $500 to be used to purchase new Science supplies for the classrooms.

Ridgewood Kids Sing for Writing! Mrs. Ware’s Class performed Author’s Purpose Song to the tune of All the Single Ladies. They used motions and catchy words to help them remember this skill when they write!

First Graders Collect Books for Garth House Our kids received the “Gift of Giving” this holiday season. Instead of bringing a book for one another to exchange, all students donated their books to the Garth House.

Brennan Doty Visits Ridgewood! The 3rd grade students at Ridgewood Elementary were very excited to have a special visitor stop by straight from the Rose Bowl. Brennan Doty was a Peer Tutor to the 3rd grade students last year when he was a senior at PN-G High School. The students were thrilled to see him again; especially after spotting him on TV in his Oregon Duck uniform. They had prepared several questions to ask Brennan about his move to Oregon, being a member of the football team, and what it was like to be a part of the Rose Bowl. Way to go, Brennan!! Ridgewood is proud of you!!!

A Big Ridgewood THANKS! Ridgewood would like to thank all of you who voted for us in the Power a Bright Future Grant from Clorox competition. Although we did not finish on top, we were extremely proud and excited about the number of votes we received and the hard work many people put in to help us. Thanks!!!

Taft Elementary Happenings

Our Fall Fest was a great success once again. With Mrs. Puente organizing, our parents rallied and worked all day at the different booths to make this enjoyable for the kids. There was corn shucking, butter making, tepee decorating, and turkey shooting just to name a few. Thank you parents we appreciate all you do!

Our top fundraiser! What would you do with a hundred bucks?

Van Buren Elementary Happenings

Van Buren Little Indians went to Mazzio’s and Tugboat Island. These students earned 50 or more AR points by the end of the first semester.

Ms. Downs received a grant from the Port Neches-Groves Educational Foundation. She wrote a grant for lab coats and goggles. Ms. Downs is pictured above with her students.

Life Skills teacher, Jamie Foster

2nd Grade teacher, Cindy Downs

Van Buren Teachers Receive

PN-G Educational Foundation Grant

Van Buren student, Alyssa Harper won First Place in Visual Arts, and she is advancing to state. Alyssa is a first grader in Mrs. Christy Jones’ class.

Penguins were everywhere in January as second grade studied this fun filled unit. The unit began with a surprise package from Antarctica with different activities for the students to complete. As a conclusion activity, students were Penguin Parents for the Day. The students had fun trying to keep their babies warm and from cracking open! A valuable lesson on responsibility was learned!

Square Dancing

Woodcrest Elementary Happenings

Penguin Parents for a Day

Martian Mania! First grade students celebrate the end of the action packed Solar System unit by dressing like Martians. During this unit students studied all nine planets, the surface of the moon, how rockets are launched, and all about comets. On Martian Mania day students launched rockets, made moon rocks, and invaded Woodcrest! The kids loved it.

Woodcrest Adopts a Ship Woodcrest collected items for the holidays to send to the men and women serving on the American Ships USS Makin Island and the USS George Washington. Students collected Taco Bell sauce, Jack in the Box sauce, packages of ketchup/ BBQ sauce, beef jerky, drink mixes, phone cards, board games, cards, as well as many other things. The students were surprised by the list of wants/needs of the ship, because it was things we take for granted that the soldiers needed. Students also sent cards and letters of encouragement and gratitude to the soldiers. The USS Makin Island is a new ship and we were honored to adopt it. It is also the current home of Mrs. Dykes’ nephew.

After studying Square Dancing in Music and P.E., the Woodcrest students celebrated with s an actual square dancing performance. A group of local Port Neches square dancers came and performed for the student body. The students were able to see the different steps and terminology they learned about during this unit put together with the music. The students had a blast watching the dancers and were amazed with how quickly they listened and moved. They were also impressed with how fast the caller made calls and how he stayed with the music. Many of the kids were able to see their grandparents and great grandparents dance for the first time!

Music Week The week of January 9th students were greeted with a variety of different styles of music in celebration of Music week. Students learned that music promotes understanding, friendliness and sympathy among all people. Students also got to see how the composer expresses a variety of moods; and how the music effected our day, usually in a GREAT way!

While studying the 6th grade Elements and Compounds Unit, Air Products came to demonstrate the effects of liquid nitrogen and some of its uses. They froze tennis balls, explained how it’s used in the food industry and how their refinery takes in nitrogen from the atmosphere. They also treated the classes to some delicious ice cream.

Lights, Camera, Action Seventh and eighth grade Theater Arts and Choir students have diligently been preparing for their upcoming performance of High School Musical. Students have worked hard choreographing, designing the set, and rehearsing for the musical that will be performed February 7. Please come, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Perfect Attendance Incentive Program Proves to be a Success Attendance has been at least 98% for

the first semester. The incentive program allows students to have a

“Free Friday” during study hall if they have been present all day for that

week.

Groves Middle Happenings

GMS Choir competed Saturday, Jan. 28 at Region 10 Solo & Ensemble Contest. All ensembles received 1st division (superior) ratings. All but 2 solos received 1st division ratings. The students brought home a total of 199 medals! Way to go, GMS Choir! GMS Choir has many activities going on during the next couple of months. They will be auditioning for Beauty and the Beast, Jr. in February. Their performance will at the end of May. The choir, band, and theatre classes will be going to see The Blue Man Group at the Lutcher Theatre on March 5. UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest are in April. The choir will also be performing the National Anthem for the Houston Astros game on May 4.

Industrial Tech

Mr. Huerta's Industrial Technology classes came together all 90 strong to participate in a webinar held by three design engineers from Ford Motor Company headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. They were headed by Mr. Chris Young who has been a design engineer for Ford Motor Company for the last 19 years. He and his team went over design elements that go into senior

management decisions regarding federal gas mileage requirements and other factors like coefficient of drag, weight of materials, engine requirements, tire footprints, and other factors that our students have been studying over the last few weeks in Industrial Technology. Mr. Huerta stated that the designers enjoyed doing this activity with the students and want to do again next year.

GMS Brave Brigade performed at the Incentive Day Pep Rally, Friday, January 27th.

International Thespian Troupe #5243 from Port Neches Groves High School experienced great success on their recent trip to the Texas Thespian State Festival. Ashley Mouton auditioned and was selected for the 2012 All-State Production of Coram Boy. Caitlin Parker was selected to be a member of the Technical Crew for the 2012 All-State Show. Caitlin was also elected to serve on the Student State Board as a Chapter Thespian Officer for the 2012 State Festival. Makenzie Escagne won third place in Mask Making. Both Group Acting and Duet Acting received excellent ratings: congratulations to Matthew Talton, Marley Graham, James Acord, Micah Menard, Carl McClain, Emily Spoon, and Shelby Murphy. Marley Graham, Brock Boudoin, and Matthew Talton participated in College Scholarship Auditions and between them received callbacks to 28 universities: Talton to SMU, UNC-Arts, UT, and Webster; Boudoin to USC, SFA, and OCU; Graham to Loyola, SFA, and NY Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts. Their director, Melissa Eyles, will continue to serve on the Texas Thespian Board as an advisor to the Chapter Thespian Officers.

PN-G High School Happenings

Results of the Business Professionals of America Regional Competition from Jan. 21, 2012 at Central Heights HS: Seven students received awards: Two State Qualifiers: Brooks Rogers-1st Place: Prepared Speech and Amanda Raymer-2nd Place: Advanced Office Systems & Procedures; Five State Alternates:

Carlos Caballero in Extemporaneous Speech; Danae Davis in Destkop Publishing; Valerie delaRosa in Legal Office Procedures; Kacie Kibbe in Basic Office Systems & Procedures; and Laura Knowles in Medical Office Procedures. State BPA will be in Dallas, TX on Feb. 29-Mar. 3, 2012. Ms. Amsden is the Advisor for BPA.

Campuses Work Together on Food Drive The annual OIA, AIA, and Skills USA Canned Food Drive was held in December. This community service project was a team effort…Counselors and nurses at Woodcrest, Van Buren, Groves Middle School, and PN-G High School provided a list of families in need in our district. Classes on these campuses collected non-perishable food donations. Mrs. Wilkinson’s Family and Community Service Students helped wrap the boxes. The Skills USA students sorted the food donations into the boxes. Approximately 25 high school students with OIA and AIA delivered boxes of food to almost 70 families in our district. This project was coordinated by Kevin Schexnaider (OIA Sponsor), Karen Anderson and Debbie Wingfield (AIA Sponsors), and Darlene Mills (Skills USA Sponsor). Indian Band Members Advance in Competition

In December, the Indian Band sent 50 students to the TMEA All-Region Band tryouts. 26 of those band members made the band, and 11 advanced to the area level. Making the All-Region band on flute: Kelli Hearne, Rebecca Martin, and Alyssa Harvey. On bassoon: Katelyn McCoy. On clarinet: Becca Miller, Josie Shirley, Nalili Doroteo, Carly Duplant, Julia Carter, Kerry Dinh, and Priya Amin. On Bass Clarinet: Nick Quintana, Brennah Thomas, and Jaimie Licatino. On alto saxophone: Jeremy Binagia and Sarah Deslatte. On baritone saxophone: Lucas Myers. On trumpet: Colby Smith & Bryce Schumacher. On horn: Steven Courville and Jacob Dean. On Baritone: Chris Morrow. On tuba: Connor McBride. And on percussion: Raegan Wyble, Kenny Courville & Karly Summerlin. Advancing to the Area round of competition: Allena Abshire, Anuj Amin, Jeremy Binagia, Steven Courville, Colin Eakes, Rebecca Martin, Katelyn McCoy, Becca Miller, Nick Quintana, Colby Smith, and Raegan Wyble. All of these fine musicians can be heard at the Ensembles & Jazz Band Concert on February 13 at 6 p.m. in the Port Neches-Groves High School Auditorium.

2011 PNG Indians Football Banquet The 2011 PNG Indians Varsity Football Team was honored at a banquet on Saturday, January 21 at the Eleganté Hotel in Beaumont. The evening honored the team members for their achievements on the field as well as in the classroom. Coach Faircloth began the evening with a few words reflecting on the season and Steve Collazo gave the invocation before the dinner was served. Following dinner, special guests and PNG spirit leaders were recognized for their support throughout the season. Prior to the banquet, the team voted on nine awards. The winners were announced at the banquet by each position coach and he briefly spoke about the recipient(s) before revealing the winner. The winners were… Best Offensive Back-Travis Miller, Best Offensive Lineman-Kyler Nicotre, Best Receiver- Jayce Nelson, Best Defensive Back-Chase Romero, Best Defensive Linemen-Jacob Davis, Best Linebacker-Justin Sperl, Special Teams MVP-Micah Murdock, “Fighting Indian” Award Recipients-Alan Hanks and Tyler LaCour, and the Team MVP-Chase Bertrand. In addition, achievement awards were given to Kyler Nicotre, Chase Bertrand, Jayce Nelson, and Chase Romero. Nicotre was selected to the Associated Press Sports Editors 4A All State Second Team while Bertrand, Nelson, and Romero received honorable mentions. The 2011 Indians also had nine team members selected to the Texas High School Coaches Association Academic All State team. Ryan Kelley, Travis Miller, Micah Murdock and Scott Stewart were selected to the second team and Bobby Hearne, Haden Grove, Grant Guidry, Daniel Sparrow, and Jayce Nelson were honorable mentions. The night concluded with a highlight video from the season including a tribute to the senior class of 2012. The evening was a special night for the athletes as well as their families and friends. These Junior and Senior students participated in the John Ben

Shepperd Public Leadership Institute held at Lamar University. The Student Forum portion of the Institute offers young people the opportunity to learn leadership, collaboration and communication to heighten their awareness of responsible citizenship.

The PNG Criminal Justice Club has been very busy this school year. With activities that include participating in the Red Ribbon Parade, providing security and parking assistance to the Port Neches Police Department at home football games, helping with the National Night Out event at Port Neches Park, volunteering with Jefferson County Child Protective Services Annual Foster Kids Christmas Party and competing at the Texas Public Service Association Regional Contest, these kids have been very busy to say the least. Criminal Justice Instructor, Celeste Cormier, stated, “I could not be more proud of these kids and how hard they work to help out the school, community and each other.” Red Ribbon Parade

Football Security/Parking Assistance

National Night Out

Jefferson County Child Protective Services Annual Foster Kids

Christmas Party

TPSA Competition

Dear Indians, After a non productive Legislative session, we were still able to balance the budget for the 2011-2012 school year. The balanced budget is the result of hard work, determination, sacrifice and unselfishness on the part of many PN-G employees, and support from the Board of Trustees. I regret that I had to spend a good portion of the 2010-2011 school year discussing the negative implications surrounding school finance in Texas, but I believe I must be open and honest with the PN-G family. It is what it is, and we are going to continue to set the education standard in southeast Texas. The 2013 legislative session brings a

great deal of uncertainty for Superintendents, and it is important that we make smart decisions and never let our children suffer. I am committed to providing a safe and superior educational opportunity for our children and I know the staff will see this happen. Our work is not over, and we will face continued challenges, but we will remain the finest school district in Southeast Texas. It is important that we contact our legislators and remind them that our children are our most precious resource and that we will not tolerate legislation that inhibits the educational process. Currently, Texas employees over 300,000 teachers and they must let their voices be heard, as should all parents. I continue to visit campuses/events and I see great things happening throughout our communities. We have a strong and winning combination of parents, students, teachers, clergy and community members. We are truly blessed at PN-G. We will not be satisfied with past accomplishments, and will work together for excellence in all that we do. I thoroughly enjoy coming here each and every day, and look forward to a productive spring semester. If you need anything, do not hesitate to visit or call. Have a great spring semester and be safe. Thank you and God Bless! Rodney D. Cavness, Ed.D.

This newsletter is published by the Port Neches-Groves ISD.

PNGISD Board of Trustees Rodney Balsamo, President Jim Walters, Vice President Melanie Miller, Secretary Rusty Brittain, Member

Carol Broussard, Member Darren McCutcheon, Member

Lana Parker, Member

Administration Building 620 Avenue C Port Neches, TX 77651 409.722.4244 409.724.7864 (fax)

P o r t N e c h e s – G r o v e s I S D

PNGISD

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT