First Ever New Teacher Academy Goes Out with a Bang- and a Banquet!

After three days of learning, thinking, talking, considering, contemplating, evaluating and reflecting (among other things), Thursday was a day for celebration.

Hey Teachers! First a picture, and then we'll eat!

Huntsville ISD's first ever New Teacher Academy ended with a bang, and a banquet!

The one hundred fifteen (or thereabouts) new-to-our district teachers range from "brand spanking new" to "experienced seasoned veteran," and they all came together at Magnolia Lake for a celebration and congratulation lunch in honor of...them!

Sonny Cruse

Interim Superintendent Sonny Cruse shared a few funny and touching moments from his many years as teacher (coach, principal and superintendent) during his remarks.  He urged the incoming teachers that they (all of us!)) all need to work together to teach and serve our children.  As he aptly put, "If it's going to be, it's up to--WE!"

Huntsville Elementary School Principal Koren Nicks (center in teal)
with her new elementary teachers!  HES, represent!

 As part of the capstone experience, each teacher created their Teacher Vision and Mission Statement.  

Brandi Ramdohr's Vision & Mission centered around a critical time in her life,
the epiphany she experienced and the teachers that made a profound difference.

Amy Mayer , Director of Staff Development & District Initiatives congratulates new
Huntsville ISD teachers on their hard work throughout the week.

Marjetta Spriggs our Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction,
steps in to help keep the ice tea coming for our teachers!

Carol Smith of the Chamber of Commerce (left)
gives a personal welcome! 

Carol Smith, from the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, came bearing gifts in the form of lots and lots of "goodie" bags.    We'd like to thank Carol and the Chamber for coming and giving a gracious welcome from the City and Walker County, as wellA BIG special thanks to the Walker County Chamber of Commerce and the following businesses for contributing:

Wally’s Party Factory, Devine Life Change, Giddy Up Glamor, Pita Pit, SAAFE House,
Curves, Edward Jones Investment- Randall Mangum,  The Huntsville Item, Inspirational Graphic Designs, Rollo Insurance, Iron Works Health Club, Snap Fitness Huntsville, State Farm Insurance Diana K. Barnes, Young Living Essential Oils, On Pointe Dance Company, Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center, Sam Houston Memorial Museum, BBVA Compass, Domino’s Pizza, Mitcham Industries, Casey R. Frazier, D.D.S., First National, Bank of Huntsville, Maurices 1729, Precision Printing, Southwestern Consolidated Directory Co. and Community Service Credit Union.

Jackie Dawson, one of our mentor teachers, listens to Sonny Cruse.

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District

Dr. Steve Johnson- It's Not a Retirement, It's a Re-retirement!

Last night, we came together to offer a hearty "Happy Trails!" and "Thank You!" to Dr. Steve Johnson, our superintendent for the last three and a half years.  Students, Teachers, Principals, Staff and Board Members- past and present- all came out to celebrate.

Dr. J and Sonny Cruse seeing "eye to eye."

Dr. J shakes hands with FFA officer Brice Davis.
Dr. J's roots run deep: He began his career in 1972 as a Teacher of Vocational Agriculture.

Larry Brown and Board of Trustees Vice President Rissie Owens

As you may already know, "Dr. J" came out of retirement after nearly 40 years as an educator and visionary leader to take the superintendent position at a critical time in Huntsville ISD.

HISD Board of Trustee Member and Secretary Tracy Stoudt

L-R FFA Advisor Jaqueline Nettuno with the FFA Officers, Dr.J,
and fellow FFA Advisors David Sheffield & Kenneth Goines.

He initially gave a two year commitment, but stayed on to continue to lead the district.

Toxie Olyphant, Vanetta Mills and Helen Watkins were among the many folks to come out.

With his help, we are now poised to continue the good work of educating and serving the children of Huntsville.

Amy Turner and Deborah McNeil.

Three generations of the Johnson Family came out to celebrate.
Here, Dr. J's gets some help from his grandchildren opening up the gift of an iPad.
As Dr. J said, he has about three apps and his grandkids have about 133, so he has plenty of willing tutors!

Jim Kreier breaks the ice and helps himself to a treat.

Former Board Members Riley Tilley and David Standlee

Tim Hooks and Beth Burt

By the way, here's a tip about Dr. J we heard from Interim Superintendent Sonny Cruse:  want to know what might be on the retiring superintendent's future schedule?  Let's just say Dr. Johnson bought a boat, and christened it, "In a Meeting!"

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District

The First Ever Huntsville ISD Teacher Induction Academy Has Begun!

Earlier this morning, almost 115 new to Huntsville ISD teachers began the first ever Huntsville Independent School District Teacher Induction Academy at Huntsville High School.

New Teachers Heather and Daena just realized they're from the same home town.

Our Interim Superintendent Sonny Cruse introduced our team of directors at the first session.

The Academy runs for four days, culminating in a luncheon and ceremony at Magnolia Lake on Thursday with our interim superintendent Sonny Cruse and local dignitaries as our special guests.

Taking notes in the first session-
do you notice that Mary already has the T-shirt?  You go Girl!

Darius (left) came to us from Dallas ISD
and is all smiles about getting to know Huntsville.  Anthony is in blue to the right.

But between now and then, these teachers will learn about our district, and be taught, guided and able to participate in discussions on subjects including:

Basics of Special Education
Building Relationships with Students
Classroom Management
Communicating Online and Managing Devices in the Classroom
Introduction to Tech Systems
Make and Take Session for Classroom Management
Mindset: Why it's Not Just Our Abilities & Talent That Bring Us Success
Participation in a Panel Discussion of District Mentor Teachers
Positive Behavior Management
Planning the First Week of School

Plus the time to get down to the nitty gritty on their personal philosophy of teaching...to consider and answer the ultimate question, "Why Do I Teach?"

Amy Mayer, leader of the Mindset Session, proposes a question to you-
Do you believe that EVERY student can learn?  

Carlicia Alexander getting to know Huntsville ISD. 

Lindsay and Rachel consider the two mindsets- growth and fixed.

Lunch time!

Elizabeth and Makinzie take a break for photo over lunch.

And throughout the Academy there will be several opportunities to work with mentors, with one session dedicated to asking the panel of District Mentor Teachers their hardest questions!

Rudy Rios is thinking..."This is getting good!"

For these four days, our staff and faculty will dedicate themselves to our incoming teachers, carving out these days to get acquainted, accustomed, up-to-speed and inspired to bring their best selves to the class room.

Amy and Jennifer are ready for the next session.

We provide instruction, inspiration and deliver time to get ready for their new adventure before the 'craziness' of the school year begins.   Our new teachers deserve our best, because our children deserve the best!

Dakotah and Ruby- good food and good conversation.

Underlying everything that you teach is our belief system, which is that all children can learn.

Melissa (in pink- top left hand corner) leads the Tech Apps session with her fellow iTechs.

"Things can get profound in these sessions," thinks Paul Hastings.

Kim Beth Buchanan leads the Curriculum Cornerstone sessions.
"Do you have the will, and the skill, to be a good teacher?" asks Kim Beth.

Annual "Back To School Supplies Giveaway is Tomorrow- With Food, Fun and Games!

Last night, Huntsville High School was quiet, except for the hubbub coming from one of the small gyms situated in the back of the building.  Inside, kids and adults, HISD staff and Huntsville community members all joined forces to pack eleven hundred bags of school supplies!   It was the culmination of months of fundraising, as this kind of effort takes an average of $12,000 per year to pull off!

At the end of the night, Mrs. Vanetta Mills was a GOOD kind of tired.  She's the President and Founder of The Community Praise Ministry,  the organization responsible for the program.

The Community Praise Ministry spearheads this effort, and everyone from the:

NAACP, LULAC, Huntsville ISD, Greater Zion Baptist Church, , New Growth Baptist Church, Ministry of Light Baptist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church, Unity of Faith, Progressive Bible Church and Bo-licious Catering, Walker County Credit Union, Allstate Insurance, COME Center, Cox Funeral Home, McNeese Drug Store, Dr. David A. Prier Pediatrics & Associates, Karon Murff (CPA), J&M Contractors, Wiesner Chevrolet, William Daniels Insurance, Sunshine Network, Brown's Country Store, Golden Corral, Ward's Furniture, HEB, the Old Main Market at SHSU, the Walls Unit of TDCJ, the Wynne Unit of TDCJ, TDCJ Classifications- OT Building, Boys and Girls Club, Smilemakers Dentistry, Watkins Consultant, HISD Transportation, HISD Maintenance Department, Huntsville Elementary School, Charles McGoen, Doris Archie, Adrian Harrison, Millie Duncan, Marjetta Spriggs, Kimm Thomas, Eric McCarter, Dr. Peter, Lisa Hackett, Carlos Ross, Cindy Wilson, Tim Hooks, Lynn Billingsley & Family and Mr. Jax

help provide the financial and physical support to make all of this come together so nicely!  That's a long list, and shows just what kind of diverse involvement we have here at the school district.

A little bit of everything to get the students on the right track!

On Saturday, from 10 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., students will be able to pick up school supplies for their designated, grade for the upcoming school year.  Then everyone is invited to participate in Food, Fun and Games right there in the back parking lot of HHS. Additionally, there will be community organizations with free information for Huntsville families.

A couple of things to note-students must be accompanied by parent and guardian, and parents and guardians, you need to be sure to bring your kids with you, too!

Smiling Members of the Youth LULAC team and Ballet Folklorico, The League of Latin American Citizens

Lined Up and Ready to Go!

Margie Mathis- Taking a break to strike a pose!

Some of the Community Praise Ministry Members

Taking care of business.

Huntsville ISD Transportation Department is in the HOUSE!

Most of the LULAC Crew from the end of the night.

I wonder if they are asking why the photographer isn't joining in one the fun!

Gloria Smallwood- Self described "Oldest Volunteer!"

Cecilia Cortez and Anita Escobedo leaders of the Youth LULAC team.

Crayons, crayons, everywhere :-)

These girls prove that just because you're volunteering doesn't mean that you can't have fun!

The view from the HHS parking lot- a beautiful end to a productive day!

Matthew Lahey  Huntsville ISD Huntsville Independent School District